Groups Hail Reforms in Passport Issuance, Correctional Facilities

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Universal Migration Enlightenment Center (UMEC) and the Global Migration Research Institute (GMRI) have commended the federal government’s recent reform initiatives which has led to smooth and easier passport issuance and improvement in Correctional facilities in the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, the President of the GMRI, Williams Azuma Ijoma, said the developments were critical steps that would enhance safety, security, and efficiency in migration processes.

Ijoma, while bemoaning the lengthy and cumbersome procedure for obtaining passports in the past, stressed that the recent upgrades in technology and administrative efficiency must be applauded.

He, however, cautioned Nigerians against media trail of the Interior Minister, adding that the probe panel set-up by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should be allowed to diligently investigate the matter in order to allow justice prevail.

He further urged the Minister not to be deterred in his passion to drive necessary developmental initiatives in the country.

His words: “Our agencies, UMEC and GMRI are non-governmental organisations monitoring and keeping tab on the performance of some Ministers in line with the renewed hope agenda of Tinubu’s administration.

“We humbly submit that after a thorough and careful monitoring of the activities of the ministers, one notable action that we need to commend is the way and manner the Minister of Interior, Mr. Tunji Ojo, handled the procurement and issuance of Nigerian passports.

“The minister did not only fast track the process of acquiring the Nigerian passport but has become automated which everything is now online, and within two or three weeks the passport is ready for collection. We are witnesses to the rigorous, energy sapping and frustrating experience in the process.

“Some Nigerians in diaspora have been victims of the slow and corruption induced system of the old days. This new initiative by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Tunji Ojo, is worth celebrating and commendable.

“We urge him to continue with this feat already achieved despite the distractions going on. We call on Nigerians to give peace a chance and allow the ministers to concentrate and execute their tasks in their efforts to bring Nigeria back to reckoning.

“Similarly, we must also commend the Minister for his laudable programs in the correctional facilities all over the country. There is an improvement in the welfare of inmates unlike before.

“It will be noted that all these good initiatives will attract a lot of smacks and tend to slow down the pace of work in the ministry.”

He added: “I am calling on Nigerians to allow the Minister to perform without unnecessary distractions, so as to bring about the much needed social economic development programs for the overall benefits of Nigerians.”

While commending President Bola Tinubu for measures so far taken to curb corruption and the probe panel setup to unravel the financial mess, he said: “Let’s allow the panel to work and conclude it tasks before taking blames. Enough is enough.

“It is time to all the ministers to breathe in order to improve and enhance the living standard of citizens.

“Against this background, we shall help to undertake trainings on enhancing the performance of all appointed political office holders towards actualising the eight points renewed the hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu at the national, state and local levels.”