The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially denied reports that it suspended passport services in Kano State, following criticism over a production migration that affected service delivery. In a statement released on Wednesday, the NIS clarified that passport operations in Kano and across the country remain fully functional, contrary to widespread speculation.
Background: Production Migration and Public Criticism
Earlier this week, the NIS announced a migration of its passport production system to a new platform, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing processing times. However, the transition was met with public criticism as some applicants experienced delays and technical glitches, leading to rumors that services had been halted in Kano, one of the busiest passport processing centers in Nigeria.
Addressing the concerns, the NIS Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, issued a statement emphasizing that no suspension has occurred. "The attention of the Service has been drawn to reports circulating on social media that passport services have been suspended in Kano. This is false and should be disregarded," Udo said. "The production migration is a routine upgrade, and our officers are working diligently to ensure that all applicants are served promptly."
Official Clarification and Operational Status
The NIS further explained that the migration is part of a broader digital transformation initiative to align with international standards. The new system is expected to reduce passport issuance time from the current average of three weeks to less than five working days once fully optimized. According to NIS data, over 1.2 million passport applications are processed annually across Nigeria, with Kano accounting for approximately 15% of that volume.
"We understand the frustrations of our applicants, but we assure the public that the temporary challenges experienced during the migration are being addressed by our technical team," Udo added. "The Service remains committed to providing seamless and efficient passport services to all Nigerians."
Impact on Applicants and Next Steps
Despite the denial, some applicants in Kano reported longer wait times at the passport office on Monday and Tuesday. However, the NIS insists that these were isolated incidents caused by the system upgrade and that normal operations have resumed. The Service also advised applicants to avoid patronizing touts and to rely only on official communication channels for updates.
In response to the criticism, the NIS has set up a dedicated helpdesk to address complaints related to the migration. Applicants experiencing issues are encouraged to contact the helpdesk via email or the official NIS website. The Service also plans to roll out a mobile app for passport application tracking in the coming months, further enhancing transparency.
Broader Context: Passport Reforms in Nigeria
This incident comes amid ongoing efforts by the federal government to reform passport services. In 2024, the NIS introduced a contactless passport renewal system for Nigerians in the diaspora, which has been widely praised. The current migration is seen as an extension of these reforms, aiming to bring the same convenience to domestic applicants.
As the NIS navigates this transition, stakeholders have called for better communication to manage public expectations. "The NIS must ensure that such migrations are thoroughly tested before implementation to avoid unnecessary disruptions," said Dr. Aliyu Musa, a public policy analyst based in Abuja. "However, it is reassuring that the Service has moved quickly to quell rumors and reassure the public."
For now, passport services in Kano and across Nigeria continue to operate, with the NIS urging patience and cooperation from all applicants as the new system stabilizes.
