Senate Backs Centralised Passport Production for Security

Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), endorsed the Nigeria Immigration Service's (NIS) centralised passport production system during a fact-finding visit to the NIS headquarters in Abuja. He stated that this reform would strengthen national security, enhance efficiency, and curb extortion, addressing misconceptions regarding the relocation of passport production centres, particularly in Kano.

After being briefed by NIS officials, Kawu expressed satisfaction with the initiative, which aims to adopt international best practices and prevent the abuse of Nigerian passports by criminal elements. The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Passports, Titilayo Olaiya, noted that the reform followed a 2024 assessment highlighting the need for a secure production process.

The centralised facility can produce about 1,000 passports per hour and will be implemented in phases, with Kano included in Phase Four. Olaiya assured that all passport centres remain operational and dismissed claims that the exercise targeted the North.