In a major business and operational overhaul, the Federal Government has transitioned to a new, single, and centralized passport production system. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Headquarters in Abuja.
This historic reform marks the first time in 62 years that the country will operate a central passport production facility, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and restoring public confidence.
The new system represents a dramatic leap in operational capacity. According to the Minister, the old decentralized model, which relied on outdated machines, could only produce between 250 and 300 passports daily. The new centralized center, however, has a daily production capacity of 4,500 to 5,000 passports.
This remarkable increase—over 15 times the previous output—means the NIS can now meet daily demands within just four to five hours of operation, a feat Dr. Tunji-Ojo described as a “game-changer.”
The centralization initiative is a key part of the government’s broader strategy to overhaul the country’s passport issuance process. It is designed to eliminate the long queues and processing delays that have long frustrated citizens and businesses.
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The Minister also revealed that the government has already cleared a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications within a few weeks, demonstrating a commitment to service delivery. This reform is also expected to significantly shorten the processing time for new applications, with a target of two weeks and a goal of further reducing it to just one week.
The project is a strategic investment in technology and infrastructure aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing the integrity of Nigerian travel documents worldwide. Other related reforms, such as the introduction of a contactless passport application process for Nigerians in the diaspora and the installation of e-Gates at major international airports, all contribute to creating a more efficient and business-friendly environment for travel and commerce.
These moves position Nigeria’s passport system to align with global standards and are a crucial step toward enhancing the nation’s reputation for ease of doing business.
