Why Passport Applicants Need Letters From States Of Origin

“The Nigerian Immigration Service is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient passport application process,” said an NIS spokesperson.“We understand the concerns of our citizens and are clarifying that there is no need for passport applicants to return to their states of origin for indigen-ship documents.

The Service wrote,“First off, you do not necessarily need to go to your state of origin to get the ‘indigenship document.’ “We are aware that most states have liaison offices in other states.

“Having said this, every document that the Service requires passport applicants to produce/submit/upload was carefully thought through (not stupid) and backed by certain laws and policy documents approved by the Federal Government through our supervising ministry – in this case, the Ministry of Interior.

“It is quite important, especially based on certain intel that we have (but cannot disclose publicly), that anyone, a Nigerian of course, who wishes to obtain a Nigerian passport – a document of authority for identification and travel – must prove beyond reasonable doubt, that he/she is a Nigerian citizen.

These can be procured through other means closer to their places of residence.” Oviosu tweeted,“I gathered that now, to renew your passport, you need to get a letter from your state of origin showing that you are from there.

We create our own problems.” In its response to Oviosu’s tweet, the Immigration Service acknowledged the concern and clarified that physical travel to one’s state of origin is not mandatory for obtaining the indigenship document..

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