The Comptroller- General of Nigeria Immigration Service (CGI), Caroline Adepoju, on Friday, assured Nigerians that they would get their passports within three weeks of submitting their applications
Mrs Adepoju gave the assurance while inaugurating a new passport office in Igbogbo community in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Mrs Adepoju said passports would now be processed and issued speedily provided applicants submit all the required details in their applications.
She advised the public to ensure that they renew their passports at least six months before their expiration to avoid problems while applying for visas to some countries.
Mrs Adepoju thanked the people of Igbogbo for their support and for providing all that was needed to start operation in the area.
“I thank the traditional ruler and the people of Igbogbo for their support and for ensuring the realisation of this project.
“This is my first assignment after my confirmation as the substantive Controller General of Nigeria Immigration Service.
“I want to advise the public to ensure they renew their passport six months before expiration to avoid being denied visa by some countries,” she said.
Speaking, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the establishment of the passport office in Igbogbo would improve service delivery to Nigerians and save the people of Igbogbo and environs the stress of travelling far to obtain their passports.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by Ibrahim Layode, commissioner for home affairs, said the role of immigration in any country could not be overemphasised.
He said that the establishment of the passport front office in Igbogbo was a testament to the federal government’s commitment to providing world-class immigration services in line with global standards.
Also speaking, the council chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area(LCDA), Olusesan Daini, urged the CGI to consider expanding operations at the new passport front office.
Mr Daini said the council would synergise with NIS to ensure the edifice was maintained.
“We will also improve our security architecture to ensure the office is secure,” he said. He said that the new passport office was a welcome development as residents would no longer have to travel far to obtain or renew their passports.
“The establishment of this passport front office in Igbogbo will improve commercial activities.
“The council will also improve its security architecture to provide adequate security in the area,” he said.
Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Orimadegun Kasali, who spoke on behalf of all the traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division, said he was very happy that the passport front office was established in his domain.
He added that it would go a long way in improving commercial activities in the area.
Mr Adeboruwa commended all those who facilitated the establishment of the passport office in the community.
“I cannot say how happy I am today, in fact, this office will put the Igbogbo community on the world map.
” I appreciate everybody that has contributed in one way or the other to make this a success, especially the family that donated the land.
“I am glad that the Igbogbo passport office has come to stay,” he said.