The Nigeria Immigration Service has cautioned citizens to avoid unofficial channels when making passport payments, insisting that its application system does not involve any third-party agents.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, rejected claims that a religious organisation was connected to the payment process, describing such reports as inaccurate and misleading.
He explained that all passport applications are processed through a secure, government-approved platform, accessible only via the official portal: http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
According to him, this portal remains the only recognised gateway for payments and processing for applicants both in Nigeria and abroad.
“The service has not authorised any religious body, private organisation or individual to act as an intermediary or receive payments on its behalf.
“The claims that a religious organisation appears in our payment process are entirely false and do not reflect the structure, integrity or processes of the NIS,” he said.
Akinlabi noted that anyone who visits the official portal would easily verify the credibility and transparency of the system.
He warned that websites or agents claiming to facilitate passport payments outside the approved platform were fraudulent and should be ignored.
The spokesperson disclosed that investigations had already begun to trace the origin of the allegations. Early indications, he said, point to individuals attempting to mislead the public or tarnish the agency’s image.
He added that those found responsible would face appropriate penalties.
Reaffirming the Service’s adherence to government financial regulations, Akinlabi said the NIS only partners with licensed and accredited payment service providers listed on its official platform.
He stressed that any payment made through unauthorised channels would be at the applicant’s risk, noting that the Service would not be liable for losses or inconveniences arising from such actions.
The NIS advised Nigerians to remain vigilant by using only the official portal and steering clear of unauthorised agents or third-party platforms.
“The service does not recognise or provide any alternative payment options for passport applications or related services,” he said.
Akinlabi further assured the public that measures were being strengthened to protect the integrity of the system and prevent fraud.
“For further inquiries or assistance, we advise the public to contact NIS via its verified communication channels, including its social media handles on X (Twitter), Instagram and Facebook (@nigimmigration).
“Other contact centre numbers are 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 available 24/7, and WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772,” he said.
