Godsent Ogbebor
Diaspora Groups Urge Nigerian Government to Address Delays in NIN and Passport Processing Abroad
Nigerians living abroad have called for urgent government action to address the ongoing difficulties in obtaining National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Nigerian passports outside the country.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption (IAHRAC), Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and the Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland expressed concern over the delays that have been causing significant challenges for Nigerians overseas.
The statement, signed by Okoro Akinyemi of IAHRAC, Lewis Ehiwario of Concerned Nigerians, and Dozie Ugochokwu of the Nigeria Business Forum, followed the release of a report detailing the issues faced by Nigerians living abroad. The report, compiled after consultations with Diaspora communities across Europe and North America, highlighted the systemic barriers and prolonged delays that many Nigerians experience when attempting to obtain or verify their NIN.
According to the groups, these delays create added burdens, with many applicants facing unnecessary travel costs and logistical complications. “Nigerians abroad frequently face prolonged delays and additional travel burdens while trying to obtain or verify their NIN,” the statement read.
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The groups have called for the digitalisation and modernisation of the NIN and passport systems, which would involve improving funding for Nigerian missions abroad, upgrading equipment, increasing staffing, and providing clearer immigration guidelines. They also stressed the need for both NIN and passport services to be available simultaneously at embassies to ease the process and reduce duplication of efforts.
Furthermore, the groups raised concerns about the current NIN registration model, citing an overreliance on private agents, which has led to inconsistent procedures, high fees, and widespread dissatisfaction among applicants. “Irregular fees, unpredictable processing timelines, and inadequate oversight have fueled concerns about possible exploitation,” the statement noted.
To address these issues, the groups have recommended that embassies and consulates directly handle NIN and passport services and proposed the establishment of mobile registration units in major cities worldwide. This would help reduce the travel burden on applicants and ensure more efficient processing of these crucial services.
