Dr Dipo Awojide, a UK-based lecturer known for his insightful commentary, has taken to social media to express his frustration over the cumbersome process of renewing a Nigerian passport.
Awojide, a career coach, noted the challenges citizens face in obtaining or renewing their passports is frustrating.
He called for a radical overhaul of the system to ensure effectiveness.
Awojide revealed that his Nigerian passport had expired in February and expressed his disappointment with the difficulties, delays, and frustrations associated with obtaining and renewing new passports.
His words:
”My Nigerian passport expired in February. The process of getting a new Nigerian passport at home and abroad is unnecessarily difficult, slow and frustrating, except you bribe.
”The last minister promised to fix the mess, but he didn’t. Any process that involves human interaction is an avenue for corruption.
”Reduce the physical interaction between Immigration Officials and citizens. Digitalise the entire process.
”A Nigerian passport is currently more difficult to obtain than a British passport. This has been the case for over 15 years. The culture and process can and should change.”
Awojide’s plea for change reflects a broader sentiment among Nigerians who have long grappled with these challenges and are hopeful for a more efficient and transparent system.
His call for digital transformation and simplification resonates with many citizens who seek a more accessible and corruption-free system for acquiring essential travel documents.
