The Kwara Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, said it had cleared all uncollected international passports at its disposal in Kwara.
The State Comptroller of Immigration, Comptroller Aminu Shamsuddin confirmed the collection of the passports during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin on Thursday.
Shamsuddin said that there were some applicants who found it difficult to create time to collect their own passports when it’s ready, especially when they are not in dire need of it.
He said that the command had to go beyond sending text messages to applicants, by embarking on some sensitization on radio and television stations.
“We realised that Nigerians live a busy lifestyle, thereby finding it difficult to create extra time for other things like the international passport, especially when they are not traveling out of the country.
“Even those that applied for passport find it difficult to collect it when it’s ready, except they are traveling out of the country in some days’ time.
“We decided to sensitise the public and enlighten them on the importance of international passport both within and outside the country.
“We also want people to know that the passport should be part of everybody’s credentials, means of identification anywhere and important documents that should be guided well,” he said.
The Comptroller thereby said that there would be more sensitization programme and awareness with the assistance of the media, who could help enlighten the public on the need for possession of international passport.
“We will also organise a sensitisation walk, in which NYSC Corps members, transporters, market men and women as well as students will be enlightened and engaged on the need for owning a passport,” he said.
NAN
