The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has officially launched the Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, following its successful implementation in Canada. This initiative marks a major step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance service efficiency for Nigerians worldwide.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that this system aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to streamline government services and make them more accessible to citizens both at home and abroad. He highlighted the system’s benefits, including eliminating traditional passport renewal hurdles and allowing eligible Nigerians in Europe to complete the process entirely online from their homes or offices.
The minister outlined three key advantages of the initiative:
- Efficiency – Passport renewals can now be processed without requiring a physical presence, significantly reducing waiting times.
- Accessibility – Nigerians in the diaspora can experience government services with ease, no matter their location.
- Modernization – The initiative embraces digital transformation, supporting Nigeria’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of the Nigerian diaspora in national development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring they receive services that meet the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency. He also assured that the government would maintain transparency while prioritizing security in all operations.
The minister described the launch as just the beginning, with plans to expand the initiative further and bring more government services closer to Nigerians worldwide. He expressed optimism for a future where all Nigerians, whether at home or abroad, benefit from modernized and user-friendly public services.
