Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a firm directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), warning that Nigerians must no longer be charged extra money for passport-related services.
The warning came during a surprise visit to the NIS office in Gwagwalada, Abuja, where the minister engaged officers directly and assessed on-the-ground operations.
MINISTER’S DIRECTIVE
Addressing immigration officers at the facility, Tunji-Ojo made it clear that any form of unofficial charges would no longer be tolerated.
“I don’t want to hear that you are collecting money for a card or paper,” the minister said.
“Nigerians have already paid for their passports online. Serve them well.”
He stressed that all legitimate passport fees are fully captured on the official online payment platform, describing extra charges as exploitative and a betrayal of public trust.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Complaints about illegal passport fees and delays have persisted for years, often forcing applicants to pay more than the approved cost to fast-track processes.
The minister’s intervention signals:
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A crackdown on extortion within public offices
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Renewed emphasis on service delivery
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Stronger accountability within the Immigration Service
A PATTERN OF UNSCHEDULED INSPECTIONS
This is not the first time Tunji-Ojo has carried out unannounced inspections.
In November, he conducted similar visits to:
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The NSCDC FCT Command
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The Federal Fire Service station, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja
According to the minister, the inspections align with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that security agencies must remain fully prepared to protect lives and critical national assets.
SECURITY AND SERVICE DELIVERY
Describing security as fundamental to national survival, the minister expressed confidence in the ability of officers to meet expectations but warned that performance would be closely monitored.
He added that surprise visits will continue nationwide, emphasising his desire to personally observe:
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How agencies operate
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The quality of services Nigerians receive
Nigerians, he said, deserve not just good service, but the very best at all times.
