The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismissed circulating claims suggesting irregularities in its passport application and payment system, describing them as false, misleading, and intended to deceive the public.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service reaffirmed that its passport processing operations remain secure, transparent, and strictly government-regulated.
The NIS emphasized that all passport applications and payments are conducted exclusively through its official portal: http://passport.immigration.gov.ng which it described as the only authorized platform for both domestic and diaspora applicants.
According to the statement, the Service has not entered into any partnership with religious bodies, private companies, or individuals to act as intermediaries or receive payments on its behalf. It further clarified that any suggestion that a religious organisation appears within its payment structure is entirely false and does not reflect its established processes.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service does not authorize or recognize any third-party platform or agent for passport payments or processing,” the statement noted, warning that such claims are deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
The Service also disclosed that it has commenced internal investigations into the origin of the allegations, suggesting that the misinformation may have been spread by individuals seeking to damage its reputation or exploit unsuspecting applicants.
Preliminary findings, according to the statement, point to possible malicious intent, with the NIS assuring that appropriate actions will be taken against any individuals or groups found responsible for disseminating false information.
Reiterating its compliance with government financial regulations, the agency stated that it only works with licensed and accredited payment service providers, all of which are clearly integrated into its official portal. It warned that any payments made outside approved channels are at the applicant’s risk, with the Service disclaiming liability for any resulting losses or complications.
The NIS urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid unauthorized agents, and rely solely on verified platforms for all immigration-related services. It stressed that no alternative or unofficial payment routes exist within its operational framework.
The agency further reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public trust through continuous system upgrades and monitoring mechanisms designed to prevent fraud, abuse, and misrepresentation.
