The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, has advised the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to tackle delays in issuing passports.

The Olubadan gave the advice on Tuesday when the new NIS comptroller in Oyo, Mohammed Umar, visited him in Ibadan.

According to the Ibadan monarch, Nigerians wait for months to get their passports, saying this does not portray the immigration service well.

Mr Balogun urged the new NIS comptroller to leverage the new passport office in Oyo town to speed up actions on the issuance of passports. He said this would eliminate the frustration applicants face.

“We have a lot of complaints arising from the delay in obtaining the document. I want to appeal to you to use your good office to ameliorate the suffering of our people,” the Ibadan king stated.

The Olubadan, however, commended NIS for tackling irregular migration and human trafficking.

“I must commend your agency on the efforts at tackling the problems of illegal immigrants and human trafficking,” Mr Balogun said. “With the dawn of a new era birthing in Nigeria under the new President Bola Tinubu, it is very hopeful that all the factors breeding the twin problems would be tackled.”

The NIS comptroller commended the monarch’s efforts to ensure peace in his domain.

Mr Umar sought the Olubadan’s support, especially in sensitising people against harbouring illegal immigrants and human trafficking. He also pleaded with the Olubadan to mobilise members of the advisory council, mogajis and baales to sensitise Ibadan residents on border controls to checkmate the activities of illegal aliens and those encroaching border communities.

The NIS official assured the Ibadan ruler that the efforts would be stepped up to reduce the timely issuance of passports. He called on Nigerians seeking to travel abroad to ensure they get genuine documents to avoid violating the law.

(NAN)