The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has admitted that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) still faces some challenges in tackling the number of applications for Nigerian passports annually.
The minister made the observation on Thursday during the virtual inauguration of the newly completed Office Complex of the NIS, Oyo State Command, in Ibadan.
Aregbesola said much still needed to be done to satisfy the desires of Nigerians in terms of processing and prompt delivery of passports to applicants.
He said that the service was aware of the complaints of Nigerians on the issue and was working assiduously to meet up with their expectations.
“NIS is not only for passport issuance, there are issues of immigration management as well as border patrol.
“I want to commend the service for gradual adoption of technology in immigration management and border patrol, and I want to emphasise that this is the way to go,” he said.
Aregbesola commended officers and men of NIS for being conversant with the application of new technology and its effective utilisation.
The minister also appreciated NIS partners for their support in the provision of technological devices and requested for more support, in efforts to adopt technology to monitor and protect the nation’s land borders.
He lauded NIS, Oyo State Command as well as the Zonal Command, saying that the new complex would serve as a hub to stimulate dedication and passion for service delivery.
On his part, the NIS Comptroller-General, Muhammad Babandede, said that the edifice would add value to the services of NIS.
“A good working environment will enhance productivity and I assure the minister of proper maintenance of the new office complex,” he said.
Also speaking, the NIS Comptroller in Oyo State, Babangida Usman, said the inauguration of the edifice was historic in the history of Oyo State command of NIS.
He said that the command, since inception, had witnessed several infrastructural developments under and different leaderships.
Babangida said that the new edifice, which became a reality with the support of NIS Comptroller-General and the minister, was aimed at providing an environment that was conducive to work of the officers and men of the command.
Babangida said that the office would go a long way in enhancing effective and efficient service delivery of NIS in Oyo State and Nigeria in general.
