Tunji-Ojo Announces Rapid Clearance Of 60,000 Passport Backlogs By Immigration In Four Days
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Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has announced the successful clearance of a backlog of approximately 60,000 passport applications within a remarkable four-day timeframe, Readership NG reports.
This significant achievement comes as part of the minister’s directive to the immigration service to address the backlog of over 200,000 pending passport applications within a two-week period.
Tunji-Ojo made this announcement during a courtesy visit by Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to his office in Abuja. Tunji-Ojo expressed his commitment to resolving the passport crisis that had plagued the country.
“When we assumed office, the passport crisis was a source of embarrassment for our nation, and we were resolute in addressing it. As of this morning, I can confirm that approximately 59,906 passport backlogs have been successfully cleared. On September 6, when I issued the two-week ultimatum, we had over 200,000 backlogs. Nonetheless, we have made tremendous progress, and I stand by my commitment to clear all remaining backlogs,” stated Tunji-Ojo.
The visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation aimed to foster collaboration between the two ministries in combating issues like human trafficking and related challenges such as inadequate welfare for veterans, underemployment, and poverty reduction. Edu emphasized that the Interior Ministry, which holds a supervisory role over the Nigeria Immigration Service, is well-positioned to address human trafficking concerns.
In response, Tunji-Ojo welcomed the collaboration initiative and noted its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ He reiterated the President’s directive for ministers to embrace partnerships in advancing their agendas, emphasizing the importance of working together to tackle pressing issues, including human trafficking.
“We have a significant amount of work to do, and we cannot work in isolation, as directed by the President. While we focus on humanitarian endeavors like addressing human trafficking, the Nigeria Immigration Service must play a vital role in effecting meaningful change,” Tunji-Ojo affirmed.
The Minister of Interior also pledged full support for Edu’s initiatives, highlighting their relevance during these critical times in the country’s history. He suggested expanding their collaboration to include addressing the welfare of inmates in correctional facilities, as they too are Nigerian citizens deserving of improved welfare.
“We may need to explore how these inmates can benefit from your welfare programs. There is immense potential for us to achieve a great deal through this partnership,” he concluded.
