By Frontline Reporters
Nigerians in the Diaspora have urged the Federal Government to urgently address persistent delays in obtaining National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Nigerian passports at foreign missions.
The call was made by the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption (IAHRAC), Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and the Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland. Their joint statement was signed by Okoro Akinyemi (IAHRAC), Lewis Ehiwario (Concerned Nigerians), and Dozie Ugochukwu (Nigeria Business Forum).
According to the groups, the appeal followed the release of a report detailing widespread challenges faced by Nigerians abroad. The report was compiled after extensive consultations and a cross-country survey of Diaspora communities across Europe and North America.
The statement noted that many Nigerians overseas encounter prolonged delays, repeated appointments, and significant travel burdens when attempting to obtain or verify their NIN or renew their passports. Applicants also reported systemic obstacles that make timely processing extremely difficult.
The groups called for full digitalisation and modernisation of NIN and passport services, including better funding for foreign missions, upgraded equipment, increased staffing, and clearer operational guidelines.
They stressed that Nigerians abroad should be able to access both NIN and passport services at embassies simultaneously to reduce stress and unnecessary logistical challenges. Strengthened digital infrastructure at missions, they added, is essential to managing growing demand.
Citing their survey findings, the groups expressed concern over the current NIN registration model. They said the heavy reliance on private agents has led to inconsistent procedures, high fees, irregular charges, unpredictable processing timelines and widespread dissatisfaction.
They recommended a secure, fully digitalised NIN system accessible globally without intermediaries. They also urged the government to empower embassies and consulates to directly handle all NIN and passport functions, and proposed the deployment of mobile registration units in major cities worldwide to ease travel burdens for applicants.
ADVERTISEMENTS
2025-10-17