The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that, beginning February 2024, passengers arriving in the country will no longer engage with immigration personnel at international airports. The revelation was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of the newly renovated e-arrival wing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
This unprecedented change is attributed to the pending inauguration of an e-gate system, with the first consignment slated for installation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the introduction of e-gates will eliminate all direct contact with immigration officers, streamlining the arrival process and enhancing efficiency.
The minister highlighted the success of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in clearing backlogs of 204,232 passports within two weeks and an additional 50,000 within five days, following his directive. The automation of the passport process, set to commence before the end of the month, will allow applicants to upload documents online, facilitating a quicker and more accessible passport issuance process.
With the e-gate system, the Minister envisions a future where, upon arriving in Nigeria, passengers will only need to tab their passport, look into the cameras, and proceed, without the need for direct interaction with immigration officers. This streamlined approach is facilitated by advanced passengers' information and pre-profiling conducted by immigration officers, aligning with international best practices.
While commending the NIS for its swift clearance of passport backlogs, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed the government's commitment to a passport issuance system that ensures Nigerians receive their passports within 96 hours of biometric enrollment. This ambitious target aligns with the government's broader goal of leveraging technology to reduce the inconvenience and discomfort associated with traditional passport application processes.
The pending implementation of contactless immigration procedures and the ongoing passport automation mark significant milestones in Nigeria's commitment to embracing technology for enhanced efficiency and convenience in its aviation and immigration systems. As the nation strides into the future, these transformative measures position Nigeria as a key player in the global aviation industry, symbolizing progress and a commitment to seamless passenger experiences at its airports.
