The Nigeria Immigration Service has distanced itself from an application and payment platform allegedly operating under the name of a religious body, cautioning Nigerians against using unauthorised channels for passport processing. The Service urged intending passport applicants to rely solely on official and recognised platforms approved by the agency.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Service’s spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, refuted reports suggesting the existence of alternative passport application and payment procedures. He explained that the NIS maintains a secure, transparent, and government-approved system accessible only through its official passport application portal. Akinlabi stressed that this remains the sole approved platform for all passport processing and payment transactions for Nigerians both within the country and abroad.
He also clarified that the Service has never entered into any partnership with religious organisations, private firms, or individuals to act as intermediaries or receive payments on its behalf. According to him, recent claims alleging that a religious organisation’s name appears within the Service’s payment process are false and misrepresent the structure and credibility of the NIS system. He noted that a review of the official payment portal clearly demonstrates its authenticity and transparency, warning that any third-party links or platforms claiming to process passport payments for the Service are fraudulent and should be avoided.
The Service disclosed that it has begun investigations to trace the origin of the allegations. Preliminary findings, Akinlabi said, point to possible attempts by mischief-makers to damage the Service’s reputation or mislead members of the public for selfish interests. He added that anyone found responsible would face appropriate sanctions. The spokesperson further reiterated that the NIS strictly complies with government financial regulations and works only with licensed and accredited payment service providers listed on its official portal.
He warned that payments made outside the authorised channels are entirely at the payer’s risk, adding that the Service would not be liable for any losses or inconvenience arising from such transactions. The Service advised Nigerians to remain vigilant, access immigration services exclusively through the official portal, and avoid dealings with unauthorised agents, websites, or external payment platforms.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public trust by continuously strengthening its systems against fraud, misuse, and misrepresentation. For enquiries and further clarification, Nigerians were encouraged to contact the Service through its official communication channels, including its verified social media handles on X, Instagram and Facebook, as well as its 24-hour contact centre lines.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/
