*The Nigeria Immigration Service stresses that applicants’ providing their NINs for enhanced e-passports will enable successful integration of NINs and passport data

*Announces contacts for consumers to report any arbitrary charges by staff relating to NIN or passport acquisition

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

In emphasising its earlier directive on the need for Nigerians to register with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to obtain their National Identity Numbers (NINs), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) again, has clarified its position that obtaining the number is compulsory for issuance of enhanced e-Passport.

Muhammad Babandede, Comptroller-General of NIS, who pronounced this, stated that NIN, which is generated by NIMC, must be provided by all applicants for international passport.

A statement signed by the Mr. Sunday James, Service Public Relations Officer, in statement issued on behalf of the Comptroller-General noted that the strike embarked upon by NIMC workers, what has since been suspended had nothing to do with the Immigration Service.

Babandede stressed that providing the NINs by all applicants for enhanced e-passports would “enable successful integration of their NIN and Passport data.”

The NIS Chief had stated: “The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) wishes 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 centers for only passport applicants and Passport related issues only.

“That it is not in the purview of NIS to issue NIN. 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 Centers; subject to successful verification of the NIN;

The statement also said: “That other e-passport issuing centers 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 centres.”

The agency urges all intending passport applicants to pay for passports on-line and to avoid patronising touts for any Immigration Service facility.