Isah Jere, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has reacted to the Nigerian High Commission circular announcing the suspension of e-Passport issuance in the United Kingdom.
Many citizens have expressed their displeasure with the situation, including those who had to travel long distances from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, and other cities.
NIS Public Relations Officer Amos Okpu announced Monday night that CG Jere has ordered the document to be continued.
The e-Passport facility was opened in London last November as part of efforts to deepen the government's data harmonisation policy and seamless integrated identity management, according to the spokesman.
The requirements, according to him, include a digitised application and payment process, as well as registration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
"Applicants can apply and pay the exact fee only for the Passport category of their choice online via passport.immigration.gov.ng," Okpu explained, "while the appointment system is aimed at reducing the avoidable age-long overcrowding."
The claim in the circular that the enhanced e-Passport and appointment system posed some challenges "is at best a stretch of the imagination," according to the official.
According to the NIS, a total of 5918 passport applications have been received and processed since November, with 5225 being issued.
The CG has "directed the Immigration Attaches at the Mission to continue with the issuance of the enhanced e-Passports," Okpu said, urging Nigerians in the UK to remain calm.
This week, a team led by the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, who oversees the Passport Directorate, will travel to London to address all issues.
Jere reassured the public that management is committed to deploying ICT solutions "to eliminate all unnecessary bottlenecks in order to maintain quality and transparency in service delivery."