The Northern Caucus of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected assertions that federal passport centralisation reforms are intended to disadvantage Northern Nigeria. The group labelled these claims as inaccurate, deceptive, and driven by political interests.
According to the student organization, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is carrying out a national reform effort meant to boost security, service delivery, and operational efficiency rather than promoting a regional agenda. Comrade Sadiq Zango, the National Vice President (External Affairs) of NANS, addressed the media in Abuja on Thursday, urging citizens in the North-East and North-West to disregard misinformation regarding the project.
NANS clarified that moving passport production to a central hub in Abuja does not halt processing or issuance at local passport offices or foreign missions. This initiative is a component of a larger modernisation plan to enhance the system’s integrity. The NIS is implementing the strategy in phases, with the final stage scheduled for August 2026, which will include facilities in the South-South, North-East, and North-West. NANS noted that the consolidated production hub is designed to ensure that passports are completed within a two-week timeframe.
By centralising booklet printing and security personalisation, the NIS aims to reduce manual interference, prevent fraud, and ensure consistent quality across all documents. The student group expressed its full support for the NIS, encouraging the public to remain composed and ignore rumors designed to stir unnecessary tension.
