By Palma Ileye
Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, has announced the launch of the Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, after its successful implementation in Canada.
This was disclosed in an official statement by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on the announcement of the System and issued to newsmen in Abuja.
The statement read in parts: “We are pleased to announce a significant advancement in our national service delivery under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, launching the Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, after its successful implementation in Canada.
“Today marks yet another pivotal moment in our commitment to streamline and enhance the efficiency of government services for Nigerians both at home and abroad in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of this administration.
“As with the case in Canada, this innovative system is designed to eliminate the traditional hurdles associated with passport renewals. Now, eligible Nigerians in Europe can renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices.”
According to the statement, “This initiative not only reduces the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times but also brings the services of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, directly to your digital doorstep.”
Tunji-Ojo said that the introduction of this system in Europe further underscores dedication to: “Efficiency: By allowing passport renewals to be conducted without physical presence. This helps us cut down processing times significantly.
“Accessibility: Ensuring that Nigerians in the diaspora experience government services with ease, regardless of their location.
“Modernization: Embracing technology to meet the contemporary needs of our citizens in line with our pledge to digital transformation of the country as we race towards achieving the 1-trillion dollar economy ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He said that the Nigerian diaspora was an integral part of the national fabric, which contributes immensely to its development.
Hence, he said it was a duty to ensure they have access to services that match the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.
As a government, he stated that it will continue to uphold transparency without compromising security in all operations.
“This launch is only the beginning; we are poised to expand these reforms by bringing government services closer to all Nigerians.
“We look forward to a future where every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, benefits from our efforts to modernize and humanize government services,” he added.
