For the second time in a little over a year, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended passports processing in its offices across the country.
In a circular dated May 17th and signed by Deputy Comptroller General, AB Yarima, the service said this is necessary to clear the backlog of applications.
Recall that the NIS had in March last year suspended the migrants e-registration and issuance of passport as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
It announced an extension one month later.
This time around, however, the service promised to commence a new passport regime on June 1.
“I am directed to convey you the directive of the Honourable Minister of Interior on the suspension of the processing of New Passport Application in all passport offices nationwide,”the circular reads in part.
“The directive which comes into effect on May 17 has become necessary to allow enough time to clear all backlog of applications sequel sequel to the commencement of a new passport regime on June 1”.
