NIS Raises Alarm, Disowns Fake Passport Application Platform

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has cautioned Nigerians against engaging with an unauthorised passport application and payment platform allegedly operating under the guise of a religious organisation, reaffirming that it has not approved any third-party channels for such services.

According to Ireporter Online, the Service stressed that all passport-related applications and payments must be conducted exclusively through its official and government-approved portal, describing it as secure and transparent for users both within Nigeria and abroad.

In an official statement released in Abuja, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, dismissed circulating claims suggesting the existence of alternative platforms for passport processing, noting that such assertions are misleading and false.

He emphasised that the NIS has not entered into any partnership with religious bodies, private organisations, or individuals to act as intermediaries or receive payments on its behalf, insisting that the agency operates strictly within established government financial regulations.

The spokesperson further clarified that allegations linking any religious organisation to the Service’s payment process do not reflect its operational structure, urging the public to verify transactions only through the official portal. He warned that any third-party websites or payment links claiming to process passport applications for the NIS should be treated as fraudulent.

The Service also disclosed that it has commenced investigations into the origin of the claims, with preliminary findings pointing to deliberate attempts by individuals to mislead the public or damage the agency’s reputation. It assured that appropriate actions would be taken against those found responsible.

Reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NIS urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid unauthorised agents, and rely solely on its verified communication channels for inquiries and assistance. It added that any payments made outside its official system are done at the user’s risk, as the Service would not be liable for losses arising from such transactions.