The Ministry of Interior is in discussions with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) about using its fast mail service to begin delivering passports to Nigerians at their homes who request such service.

This information was made public on Saturday at the opening of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Front Desk Office in Auchi, Edo State, by Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

In an effort to provide effective service to Nigerians, the Federal Government opened a second passport front office in Auchi, Edo State, and also announced plans to introduce a home delivery service for passports.

Aregbesola stated that the government intends to issue passports to anyone who requests one in a timely manner, for a fair price, and without any hassle.

He asserts that the opening of a new passport front desk office is significant because the Nigerian passport serves as proof of identity, particularly for those who are outside of the nation, and because failure to produce it upon request could have negative repercussions.

“What we are doing here is significant for two main reasons. The first is the right (and even the necessity) of Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora to hold the Nigerian passport. Except for those travelling outside the country or intend to, most of those who hold the passport do so for identification purposes. For some, it is also a thing of pride to be able to brandish the green back of the passport. But for those outside the country, the passport is the proof of their existence. Inability to produce it on demand may bring untoward consequences.

“The government therefore wants to provide the passport for anyone desirous of it within reasonable time, at an affordable price and without any stress whatsoever. The second is the need, flowing from the first, to break out of the regular”, he maintained.”

The Minister made a commitment during his speech to wrap up discussions with NIPOST regarding the use of its quick mail service to begin delivering passports to Nigerians who choose such service.

“We are in the final stage of concluding negotiations with NIPOST to begin using its speed mail service to deliver passports to Nigerians wherever they are in the world after production,” the Minister remarked.