Nigeria Senate backs centralized passport production to boost security

The Nigerian Senate has endorsed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) decision to centralize passport production in Abuja. Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), expressed support for the reform following a fact-finding visit to the NIS headquarters.

Sumaila noted that the move is intended to strengthen national security, improve administrative efficiency, and curb extortion and corruption. The centralization aims to align Nigeria’s passport administration with international best practices and prevent criminal elements from abusing travel documents.

The endorsement follows public concerns and complaints regarding the relocation of production from regional centers, such as Kano, to the Federal Capital Territory. NIS officials clarified that the migration is part of a broader effort to enhance the integrity of international travel documents and stated that existing passport centers remain open to ensure continued service.