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Emigration and immigration

Niger Delta Rights Advocates Calls for Discontinuation of Passport Subsidy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Niger Delta Rights Advocates, a prominent pressure group in the Niger Delta, has called on the Ministry of Interior to discontinue the subsidizing of international passports. The group, led by National Chairman Bright Ngolo, suggests that the over N15 billion spent on subsidizing passports could be better utilized in improving the welfare of inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) or in securing ammunition for the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS). The move comes after the Interior Ministry, under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, cleared over N25 billion in obligations incurred by his predecessors in office on the importation of Nigerian passports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Niger Delta Rights Advocates, led by Bright Ngolo, has called for the discontinuation of passport subsidy, citing it as an economic burden on the country.
  • The group suggests that the over N15 billion spent on subsidizing passports could be better utilized in improving the welfare of inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) or in securing ammunition for the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS).
  • The Interior Ministry, under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has cleared over N25 billion in obligations incurred by his predecessors in office on the importation of Nigerian passports.
  • The NDRA recommends that the Ministry of Interior scale down on the rush for international passports, as they are not a primary means of identification for most Nigerians.
  • The group suggests that the Interior Ministry ensure that the new price regime scheduled to kick off on September 1, 2025, does not affect Nigerians who already have initiated their passport application processes prior to the official announcements.
  • The Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) must ensure its passport clearance officers diligently clear the backlog of passport applications received before September 1, 2025.

Statistics:

  • Over N15 billion is spent annually on subsidizing international passports. (Source: Niger Delta Rights Advocates)
  • The Interior Ministry, under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has cleared over N25 billion in obligations incurred by his predecessors in office on the importation of Nigerian passports. (Source: Niger Delta Rights Advocates)
  • There are 255 correctional facilities across the country, where inmates' welfare could be improved using the over N15 billion spent on subsidizing passports. (Source: Niger Delta Rights Advocates)
  • The new price regime for international passports is scheduled to kick off on September 1, 2025. (Source: Niger Delta Rights Advocates)

Sources:

  • Niger Delta Rights Advocates Statement, signed by National Chairman Bright Ngolo, dated [no date provided] (Source: Niger Delta Rights Advocates)

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