Immigration announces staggered collection of processed international passports.

Chinazor Megbolu

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Muhammad Babandede, has announced the date for the collection of processed passports and fresh enrollments.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, NIS, Mr. Sunday James, obtained from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, the immigration boss said the scheduled collection of processed passports and fresh enrollments for applicants invited through SMS will be effective from May 4, 2020.

Babandede explained that the schedule became necessary due to the Federal Government’s directive on phased and gradual easing of lockdown in Lagos and Abuja from May 4, 2020, adding that the agency will commence the services immediately.

“From May 4 to May 15, there will be collection of cleared passports at the Service Headquarters Abuja and all the passport offices nationwide.

“Unless the states that are experiencing complete lockdown in view of their peculiar situation and the state government’s position on #COVID-19.

“Only applicants invited by SMS through their mobile phones are expected to turn up on the scheduled dates.

“On May 18, there shall be gradual enrollment for only enhanced passports at the following locations that issued it: Immigration Service Headquarters Abuja, Ikoyi, Alausa, Kano Main Passport Office and Port Harcourt.

“On May 25th, all Passport Offices nationwide are to operate a gradual processing and enrollment with strict compliance with social distancing, wearing of face masks and use of hand sanitizers,”

Babandede said.

He also pointed out that the whole passport operation would be done in compliance with National Centre for Disease Control (#NCDC) standard.

According to him; “all services at our Diplomatic and Consular Missions will be directed by the respective missions based on country situation”.

He, however, maintained that all passport officers, staff and the applicants must comply with #NCDC standard to avoid further spread of #COVID-19 from one to another.