Tunji-Ojo: As in Canada, Europe, we’re expanding contactless passport applications to Asia this month

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to private sector-driven reforms aimed at improving the expatriate quota system, business permits, and border control policies.

The minister spoke at a press briefing on Tuesday following an interactive session with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos.

Tunji-Ojo described the meeting as a “family discussion” focused on strengthening government-private sector collaboration.

“NECA is a strategic partner to the ministry of interior, and we understand the critical role the private sector plays in the socio-economic development of the country,” he said.

“It’s about reviewing our strategies to enhance government performance, support private sector growth, and take decisions that protect Nigerians and the economy.”

The minister also addressed the ongoing reforms within the ministry, particularly in the areas of expatriate quota administration, business permits, and the combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC) system.

He assured that the ministry intends to make life easier for Nigerians and expatriates and that strategic partnerships with NECA and other organisations are essential to achieving the goal.

Tunji-Ojo also announced plans to establish a joint committee with NECA and other private sector representatives to facilitate the collaboration.

The committee, according to him, will work behind the scenes to fine-tune discussions from the meeting and develop reforms that benefit all stakeholders.

The minister assured the committee would be set up within the next week.

Tunji-Ojo also discussed progress in Nigeria’s passport application system. He said the introduction of the contactless passport application system will make life easier for Nigerians worldwide.

According to him, the system has already been implemented in Canada and Europe and will be rolled out in Asia this month.

“What we have done in Canada, what we have done in Europe now, and what we are taking to Asia this month is what we call the contactless passport application, which reduces or eradicates human contact. It makes life easier for Nigerians,” Tunji-Ojo said.

In October 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the launch of the contactless passport application system, with phase one in Canada.

The second phase was rolled out in the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy on November 15.

It added that Nigeria and the rest of the world will access the system from December 1, marking the third phase.

The NIS noted that the process applies only to passport renewal.