Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has banned cash payments for passport processing as part of efforts to eradicate corruption at all passport offices nationwide.
NIS spokesperson, Sunday James, revealed this on Monday, saying the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, instructed that all payments for passport processing be made online and through selected Banks henceforth.
The NIS boss had passed a circular, directing all passport control officers to avoid accepting cash payments from applicants, in any of the passport premises.
“All payments in respect to passport processing are to be done by applicants through banks to generate application ID and reference number on the NIS portal and not through an individual or touts”.
Mr James mentioned that the NIS CG has also ordered an investigation into allegations of passport racketeering at some passport offices in Lagos with a view to sanitising the system.
He advised passport applicants to ensure that all categories of Nigerian passports fees were done online noting that the Management of all passport offices Nationwide have been directed to paste all information required at the premises to guide applicants in line with the circular.
“Passport applicants are therefore strongly advised to visit the NIS website at www.immigration.gov.ng to confirm the approved fees for all categories of Nigerian Passports and age groups before making payments”
Mr James kicked against patronising touts or agents for effective service delivery, and in addition urged Nigerians to direct any complaint or enquiries to 07080607900 or nis.servicom@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng