The failure of relevant agencies to demand and verify TCC presented by an individual could amount to sanctions (a fine of N5 million or three years’ imprisonment or both).
The envoy said shortage of passport booklets was no longer a problem and applicants would be able to get their passports by December to travel home for Christmas.
Nigeria has opened a new office in Cairo, Egypt, to provide visa application, passport, BVN and NIN services.
the FBI said it took a protracted investigation for agents to uncover Ms Ogiozee as a mastermind of the fraud and said her role was “extensive.”
The Comptroller–General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Idris Jere, warned officers not to extort passport applicants.
On Wednesday, two men were arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for stealing a businessman’s passport.
These rankings place Nigeria as the worst ranking country in West Africa as all the other member countries of ECOWAS rank higher than Nigeria.
“If you pay money to any Immigration staff, you can be arrested and charged for bribery and inducement,” Mr Aregbesola warned.
An application, however, must have a National Identity Number (NIN) to qualify for the passport.
The Lagos NIS office said Nigerians should utilise the NIS website when applying for passports and to supply all the information required.
