Ogun State Command
Intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year have been enjoined to begin the process of getting their passports early as fresh issuance of international passport would take a minimum of six weeks after completion of e-registration.
The advice was recently given by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) which also revealed that it would take three weeks for the renewal processing of passports.
The Comptroller, NIS, Ogun State Command, Mr. Kolawole Amao, made this known today at the Service headquarters in Abeokuta during a visit of the management of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to his office.
He advised that 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 for early issuance of international passport.
Mr. Amao 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 backlog of passports would be cleared in no time, urging intending pilgrims to approach the passport office nearest to them for early processing.
Mr. Amao appreciated the pilgrims board for their cooperation with his office noting that "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".
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 ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
A lhaji Dauda lauded the State government for its efforts in ensuring the welfare of intending pilgrims both at home and in the Holy Land.
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