Nigeria’s decision to adopt a contactless biometric capture solution for international passports will transform the application process for citizens, according to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior.
During a stakeholders’ meeting, the Interior Minister said that the Nigerian Immigration has just unveiled the contactless biometric capture solution to ease passport applications.
The stakeholders session that included top government officials, civil society organisations, and tech experts provided an avenue to to preview the new tech solution.
“This cutting-edge technology enhances the passport acquisition process by allowing eligible applicants to initiate and complete their applications seamlessly from the comfort of their homes or workplaces,” the Minister said, adding that the new feature “is undoubtedly a game-changer, and we are eager to fully roll it out in our new passport regime.”
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior.
New biometric capture ‘aligns with global best practices’
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the goal of this new tech solution is to transform the system and align the Nigerian passport application process with global best practices “setting the pace for other nations to follow without compromising national security.”
He noted that this new system will help streamline the application process, enhancing user accessibility and overall user experience.
“This cutting-edge technology enhances the passport acquisition process by allowing eligible applicants to initiate and complete their applications seamlessly from the comfort of their homes or workplaces,” the Minister said, adding that the new feature “is undoubtedly a game-changer, and we are eager to fully roll it out in our new passport regime.”
During the meeting, the Interior Minister said that previewing the solution with stakeholders was necessary to gather feedback that would be incorporated into the system for refinement. He also disclosed that the solution will be launched in a few days, starting with Nigerians living abroad before it becomes available to all.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders who he believed made this achievement possible, acknowledging that it sets a new record for Nigerians and positions the country at the forefront of digital transformation.
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