A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for introducing reforms that have transformed the nation’s passport processing regime.

He pointed out that since taking office less than two years ago, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has implemented tangible and visible changes that have surpassed the achievements of his predecessors.

According to him, some of the notable reforms introduced by the Minister include the compulsory online processing method for special expatriate permits and temporary work permits, which will help to eliminate inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and manipulations that previously shortchanged the nation of huge revenues.

Additionally, the number of E-passport issuance centers has increased to 44 across the country and 47 in the diaspora. All passports being issued are now ICAO-compliant with enhanced features.

The Minister has also made significant progress in resolving the backlog of over 200,000 passport applications and a ₦20 billion debt inherited by the Ministry.

According to reports, over 3,546,258 passports have been processed in less than two years, and the nation has saved ₦1 billion annually from third-party contractors through the Minister’s ingenuity.

Nwauju praised the Minister’s competence and capacity, stating that his achievements are worth all the attention.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms have turned around the fortunes of the Ministry and surpassed the achievements of his predecessors,” Nwauju said.