A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has commended the launch of Phase 1 of the contactless passport application system, calling it a landmark achievement that showcases the power of innovation and the dedication of the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Phase 1 of the contactless system will cater to the passport renewal needs of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those residing in Canada.
Plans are also underway for the subsequent phases, which are set to be rolled out by December 1, 2024.
Nwauju, who also serves as the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Rivers State, emphasized that this initiative exemplifies the transformative potential of e-governance to enhance government services, improve transparency, and promote greater accountability and efficiency.
He also highlighted that the main barriers to effective e-governance in Nigeria have been inadequate political will and a lack of robust organizational frameworks.
Nwauju said, “The challenge of e-governance in Nigeria has been poor political will and zero organizational framework to drive the process.
“So, by applying a government-to-citizen approach, the Interior Ministry is offering services to citizens in an efficient and economical manner and this will strengthen the relationship between government and citizens using technology.
“Something as mundane as passport renewal has brought untold frustration to our citizens living abroad and done incalculable damage to the image of Government before now.”
“For us, this noble innovation coming on the heels of the signing of a Performance Contract between the Minister and Heads of the Ministry’s agencies, is just worth commending.”
Nwauju reiterated the widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians with unfulfilled promises from public officeholders, stressing that citizens are eager for tangible actions, such as this, to deliver real change.
