The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service Mohammad Babandede says the new regime for passport production has been rescheduled till next week Tuesday to enable the service to clear the backlog of passports produced and also allow for the collection of documents by citizens.

Babandede made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the service has been directed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola to extend the commencement of the new passport regime by one week due to the number of booklets that are yet to be claimed.

He said the names of about 43,000 owners of these passports have been posted on NIS official website, adding that bulk messages have been sent to the owners of the uncollected passports in batches of 50 persons at a time in order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

He mentioned that the production line has been increased in the passport offices that have much backlog to be cleared,  and further assures Nigerians that the new regime of passport application will commence on or before the 8th of June 2021.

Babandede further stated that he has instructed the Comptrollers of state commands to work with the other security agencies to protect NIS facilities and to maintain peace and order in the country.

Recall that the service had promised to commence a new passport application regime on 1st of June, 2021, but it is extending the date till next Tuesday for distribution of the 43,000 uncollected passports.