The Nigerian Immigration Service has provided reasoning behind its requirement for proof of state of origin from individuals applying for passports.
Addressing recent concerns about the passport renewal process, the NIS clarified that applicants are not mandated to physically visit their states of origin in order to obtain the necessary indigenship documents.
These clarifications were prompted by a tweet from a user named Tayo Oviosu, who expressed frustration over the perceived need to acquire a letter from one’s state of origin for passport renewal.
Oviosu questioned the rationale behind such a regulation, especially its relevance for individuals like himself with limited connections to their states of origin.
In response to Oviosu’s tweet, the Immigration Service acknowledged the concern and clarified that physical presence in one’s state of origin is not obligatory to obtain the indigenship document.
Highlighting the underlying reasons for the documentation requirements, the Immigration Service asserted that each requirement is meticulously evaluated and legally supported by government statutes and policies.
The Service stated, “To begin with, it is not mandatory to travel to your state of origin to obtain the ‘indigenship document.’
“We recognize that many states have liaison offices in various other states. For example, Anambra state has liaison offices in Lagos (Eti-Osa) and Abuja (Asokoro).
“These offices are authorized to issue such documents.
“Moreover, every document that the Service demands from passport applicants is well-considered, and compliant with specific laws and policy directives sanctioned by the Federal Government through our overseeing ministry – in this instance, the Ministry of Interior.
“It is essential, particularly based on certain information that we possess (which cannot be disclosed publicly), that any individual, being a Nigerian citizen, who wishes to acquire a Nigerian passport – a critical document for identification and travel – must substantiate convincingly that he/she is a Nigerian national.
“In order for your assertion of Nigerian citizenship to be validated, there must be documentation that links you to a local government (indigenous area) within the country.
“This documentation is what we request applicants to furnish, among other things, to validate their citizenship claim.
“For further clarity, sir, you may also want to refer to the specific section of the Nigerian Constitution pertaining to citizenship.
“Thus, sir, we trust that our explanations have been persuasive and not perplexing to you.”