The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said the enhanced Bio-metric passport recently introduced by the Federal Government which will be linked with National Identification Number (NIN) should be embraced by intending pilgrims in Ogun State and other citizens for early issuance of international passport.       

The Comptroller, NIS, Ogun State Command, Mr. Kolawole Amao, made this known today at the Service headquarter in Abeokuta during a visit of the management of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Mr. Amao said fresh issuance of international passport would take a minimum of six weeks after completion of e-registration and three weeks for the renewal processing.

He assured that his agency would not fail in its responsibility in prompt issuance of passports to intending pilgrims to enable them partake in the annual Holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.

The Comptroller affirmed that the backlog of passports would be cleared in no time, urging the intending pilgrims to approach the passport office nearest to them for early processing, appreciating the Board for their cooperation.

"We have two passport offices in Ogun State, intending pilgrims should visit anyone nearest to them for the processing of their travel documents in order to avoid unnecessary rush which will be ready within three weeks", Amao said.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda sought the support of NIS on the early issuance of travel documents for intending pilgrims to help achieve seamless 2022 Hajj operations.

He added that while the board awaits the 2022 Hajj policy from Saudi Arabia authority necessary arrangements were in top gear to have a hitch-free pilgrimage to the Holy Land, lauding the State government for its efforts in ensuring the welfare of intending pilgrims both at home and in the Holy Land.