The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a significant achievement in clearing a backlog of approximately 60,000 passport applications within just four days, out of a total of over 200,000 pending applications.

This achievement comes as a result of the minister’s directive to the immigration service to expedite the processing of all pending passport applications within a two-week timeframe. Dr. Tunji-Ojo shared this information during a visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Mr. Alao Babatunde, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed a commitment to resolving the passport crisis in the country. He stated, “When we assumed office, the passport backlog was a source of embarrassment to our nation, and we determined that it could not persist. As of this morning, I am pleased to report that approximately 60,000 passport applications have been successfully processed, specifically 59,906. On September 6, when I issued the two-week ultimatum, we had over 200,000 pending applications. However, we have made significant progress, and I stand by my commitment to clear all backlogs.”

Dr. Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, highlighted the importance of collaboration between ministries to combat human trafficking and address related challenges, including the welfare of veterans, underemployment, and poverty reduction. She emphasized the Interior Ministry’s pivotal role in addressing human trafficking issues as it oversees the Nigeria Immigration Service.

In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo welcomed the collaborative initiative, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ He recalled the President’s directive for ministers to prioritize partnerships to advance the agenda and expressed the Interior Ministry’s readiness for meaningful collaboration.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo pledged his support for Dr. Edu’s initiative, commending it as timely and critical in the country’s history. He stated, “There is a considerable amount of work ahead of us, and we cannot operate in isolation, as directed by the President. Our efforts extend beyond humanitarian endeavors, such as addressing human trafficking; the Nigeria Immigration Service will play a pivotal role in rewriting the narrative.”

He also indicated a willingness to broaden collaboration to include the welfare of inmates in correctional centers, highlighting that they too are Nigerians deserving of welfare packages. He concluded by expressing optimism about the potential achievements through their partnership.