The Federal Government has inaugurated a new passport office in Oyo state, saying few corrupt officials are undermining the efforts of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at sanitising the process and bringing integrity to passport application.
OYO NEWS understands that the new office located in Oyo town, was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola in Oke-Apitipiti area of the town.
The Minister in his address stated that the development was born out of the high demand for passports in Nigeria in recent times.
He added that it is also aimed at reducing the long waiting period of applicants and ensure a seamless process as about 14,000 applications are waiting for appointments at the Ibadan passport office.
The new office is a welcome development for residents of Oyo town and its environs, who will no longer have to travel long distances to obtain or renew their passport booklets.
Meanwhile, the Senate has launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the delay in issuing passports by the NIS.