* CGI, Muhammad Babandede * Pix source: NIS
...Advises Intending Passport Applicants To Pay For Passports On-line, Avoid Patronizing Touts
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS) Muhammad Babanded has made it categorically that the National Identity Number (NIN) is a compulsory requirement for applicants desirous of obtaining the Enhanced e-passport.
According to Babandede the NIN which is generated by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) must be provided by all applicants for enhanced e-passport to enable successful integration of their NIN and Passport data.
An online statement issued by the NIS, Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Sunday James, explained that in view of he above and taking cognizance of the on-going industrial action by staff of NIMC, the NIS would like to make the following clarification:
* That although some NIMC NIN registration centers are situated within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) formations, it should be noted that space were only provided by the NIS for ease of doing business through proximity and easy access to the NIN centres for only passport applicants and Passport related issues only.
* That it is not in the purview of NIS to issue NIN and as such all fees relating to NIN acquisition, change of data on NIMC platform or any other charges relating to NIN has nothing to do with NIS and therefore not party to the fees charge.
* That all persons who are already in possession of their NIN can apply and obtain enhanced e-passport in the NIS SHQ, Ikoyi, Festac, Alausa, Gwagwalada, Port-Harcourt and Kano main Passport Issuing Centres subject to successful verification of the NIN.
* That other e-passport issuing centres where the old e-passport, which do not require NIN are issued, remain operational.
* That any arbitrary charges relating to NIN or passport acquisition requested by any staff of the NIS should be reported to the following contacts: 07080607900; 0814199908; nis.servicom@nig.immigration.org.ng.
* That a monitoring team has been put in place by the CGIS to ensure smooth operation in all passport issuing centers.
In the light of the above, NIS advised all intending passport applicants to pay for passports on-line and to avoid patronizing touts for any Immigration facility,while assuring the general public of prompt service delivery.
