Immigration Denies Passport Payment Fraud Claims, Warns Nigerians Against Fake Platforms

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service has dismissed allegations of irregularities in its passport application and payment process, describing the claims as false, misleading and an attempt to defraud Nigerians.

In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency said its passport application system remains secure, transparent and accessible only through its official portal.

According to the statement, the NIS operates a government-approved passport application platform which serves as the sole authorised channel for all passport-related payments and processing activities.

The Service also denied reports suggesting that any religious organisation or third party was involved in its payment system, insisting that it had never authorised any individual, private entity or organisation to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf.

The NIS warned Nigerians against patronising fake platforms or unofficial agents, urging applicants to carry out all passport transactions strictly through its approved online portal.