Interior Minister and NIS Ordered to Ensure 6-Week Passport Turnaround
A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to issue international passports to qualified applicants within six weeks, as stipulated by Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on December 4, 2024, came in response to a lawsuit filed by Benita Ngozi Ezumezu. Ezumezu had applied for a Nigerian passport on October 6, 2022, fulfilling all necessary requirements, yet did not receive her passport even after 14 weeks.
Justice Nwite determined that the NIS’s failure to issue the passport within the prescribed six-week period violated both the Immigration Act and Ezumezu’s right to freedom of movement. Consequently, the court ordered the NIS to immediately provide Ezumezu with her passport and awarded her ₦3 million in damages.
This judgment underscores the legal obligation of the NIS and the Ministry of Interior to adhere to statutory timelines for passport issuance, ensuring that applicants who meet all requirements receive their passports promptly.
The case also highlights broader concerns regarding service delivery within government agencies, with civil society organizations calling for improved efficiency and accountability.
In light of this ruling, it is anticipated that the NIS will implement measures to comply with the court’s directive, thereby enhancing the passport issuance process for all eligible Nigerians.