Minister of the Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said on Monday in London that the new Nigeria e-passport links to the Interpol.

This enables Nigeria share information with the security world on “lost, stolen and invalidated passports in real time,” he said

It is a significant development, considering that this was one of the reasons cited by US authorities when President Trump slammed Nigeria with travel restrictions.

It could also have counted in Nigeria’s favour last week as the President Biden administration removed Nigeria from the list.

Rauf Aregbesola

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Aregbesola was in the UK capital on Monday 22 November to launch the new e-passport.

This is even as Nigerians groan worldwide over scarcity of the travel document and alleged corruption around it.

Aregbesola acknowledged the challenges in getting the travel document but said his Ministry has done better than previous administrations.

Over 600,000 new booklets were printed this year 2021, the largest cache in years, he said.

It’s “the largest of its kind ever done,” his spokesperson, Mr Sola Fasure, said in a statement.

Immigration boss, Isa Jere, asked Nigerians in UK to relax because they are ready to meet their demands for new passports, and at official rates.

“We are ready to serve the public and start rolling out the new enhanced e-passport in the UK with immediate effect,” he said.

Jere is in acting capacity as Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

“Our staff are professionals and will deliver excellent service to our citizens, he said.

“Those who have any complaints whatsoever are advised to use the publicly listed complaints channels to adequately resolve any issues raised,” Jere advised.

Nigeria e-passport links to Interpol, says Minister

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