Reps Direct Full Automation Of Passport, National Identity Card Issuance

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to restructure the services of Nigerian embassies and high commissions especially on the issuance of passport and national identity cards.

During the plenary, the house particularly urged the Federal Ministry of Interior, through the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Identity Management Commission, and others relevant to “fully automate the process of passport and national identity card issuance”

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline the activities of the nation’s embassies and high commissions towards efficient services delivery to Nigerians abroad, while mandating its Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to investigate the allegations and report back within a period of two weeks.

These decisions were based on a motion moved by a member, Mr. Obinna Chidoka titled “Need to Streamline the Services Being Rendered to Nigerians by Nigerian embassies and high commissions abroad”.

He also noted that Nigerian embassies and high commissions were the nation’s flagship territories abroad and as such, should project the best image of Nigeria’s pride and the best example of values placed on the citizens.

The Lawmaker further lamented the discreditable level of services rendered by Nigerian embassies and high commissions around the world to Nigerians, especially those in Southern Africa, the United Kingdom, and the united states of America in the aspect of passport, national identity card issuance, renewals, and ancillary services.

Chidoka said, “The House is concerned that the treatment meted out to Nigerian citizens abroad by officials of the Nigerian embassies and high commissions have not only affected the lives and businesses of the concerned citizens, but it has also brought shame and disgrace on Nigeria’s image and the psyche of our citizens.

“The House is also concerned that there have been reported incidences of extortion and fraudulent intimidation by embassy and high commission officials in the past.

“The House is further concerned that unless an urgent measure is taken to put a permanent halt to this trend, the nation’s embassies and high commissions will become a terror to the people they were established to serve.”