Nigeria’s passport application process is set for a modern makeover, with contactless biometric capture and home delivery of passports coming as soon as March 8th, 2024.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the change on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, signaling a significant shift away from the traditional, often cumbersome in-person procedures.
“Nigerians will no longer have to come to our offices for their biometric,” Tunji-Ojo declared, emphasizing the convenience factor of the new system.
“They can do it from the comfort of their homes and have their passports delivered to them.”
Applicants will now be able to complete the biometric capture – typically involving fingerprints and photographs – from the comfort of their homes, potentially eliminating long queues and tedious document submissions at immigration offices.
This contactless approach aligns with broader trends towards digitalization and citizen-centric service delivery. By removing the need for physical presence, the new system also stands to address accessibility concerns, particularly for those residing in remote areas or facing mobility limitations.
While details regarding the specific platforms and procedures for remote biometric capture remain unclear, the announcement has already generated excitement among Nigerians yearning for a more streamlined and efficient passport application experience. Further information regarding implementation details and eligibility criteria is expected in the coming weeks.
