Nigeria is strengthening its fight against corruption with the adoption of digital processes, including the Contactless Passport and upcoming e-Visa, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Kemi Nana Nandap, Comptroller General of NIS, says the adoption of the Contactless Passport Application System and the soon-to-be-launched e-Visa channel, underscores the role of digitalisation in reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and limiting opportunities for corrupt practices.
“Technology-driven processes such as the Contactless Passport Application System and the soon-to-be introduced e-Visa channel,” Nandap says, “will significantly reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and minimise opportunities for corrupt practices.”
NIS chief: Contactless Passport minimises corrupt practices
Speaking at the launch of its 3rd Nationwide Sensitisation and Awareness Campaign Against Corruption, themed “Increased Digitalisation and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services,” the NIS chief reaffirms the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in its operations.
“Technology-driven processes such as the Contactless Passport Application System and the soon-to-be introduced e-Visa channel,” Nandap says, “will significantly reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and minimise opportunities for corrupt practices.”
She also emphasises the agency’s collaboration with anti-corruption bodies to strengthen internal controls.
“The Service’ strategic partnerships with key anti-corruption agencies, including SERVICOM, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to reinforce internal control mechanisms and uphold ethical standards,” she states.
Speaking on the initiative, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), notes the impact of corruption on governance and economic growth.
According to Audu, “corruption remains a major impediment to economic growth and ease of doing business, and this campaign is a significant step towards fostering a service-driven immigration system that supports national development.”
Delays and implementation challenges
The Contactless Passport Application System was announced in October last year, with plans for an initial rollout in Canada on November 1, 2024, and in Nigeria by December. However, the Nigerian launch did not take place until February this year.
Since then, many Nigerians using the NIS mobile app have reported difficulties completing their passport renewal applications, with several getting stalled after creating their profile.
While the initiative aims to modernise passport renewal and reduce in-person visits to NIS offices, ensuring a seamless digital experience remains crucial to achieving its anti-corruption and service delivery goals.
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