- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has debunked alleged engagement of religious organisations and private entities in its passport-related payments and processing activities.
In what it described as misleading claims, NIS held that it had no partnership with any religious organisation or private entity to act as intermediary on its behalf.
This was made known in a statement issued on Monday by the NIS’ spokesperson, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi.
The service spokesperson noted that the only authorised platform for all passport-related payments is its official portal.
“The NIS operates a secure, transparent, and government-approved passport application system, which is accessible exclusively through its official portal at http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
“This remains the only authorized platform for all passport-related payments and processing activities for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
“At no time has the Service partnered with or authorised any religious organisation, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf.
“Recent allegations suggesting that the name of a religious organization appears in the Service’s payment process are entirely false and do not reflect the structure, integrity, or processes of the NIS.” The statement partly read.
The service further urged Nigerians to avoid patronising any third-party payment links on behalf of the NIS, labelling them as fraudulent.
The NIS held that investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators of the fraudulent act.
“A simple review of our authorized payment portal confirms the transparency and authenticity of our platform.
“Any third-party payment links or platforms purporting to process passport payments on behalf of the NIS are fraudulent and should be avoided at all costs.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service has taken note of this purported allegation and is currently investigating the matter to uncover the sources of this false claim.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of a mischief-maker seeking to tarnish the reputation of the Service or mislead the public for ulterior motives.
“Appropriate action will be taken against any individuals or groups found culpable.” The NIS spokesperson stated.
The NIS reiterated its strict adherence to government financial regulations and exclusive partnership with licensed and accredited payment service providers that are clearly indicated within its authorized payment portal.
The service warned that any payment made outside the authorised channels are done at owners’ risk.
Akinlabi urged Nigerians to access its service only via the official portal, stressing that the service does not recognize or provide any third-party payment alternatives for passport applications or related services.
“Payments made outside the official channels provided by the NIS are made at the owner’s sole risk, and the Service takes no responsibility for any loss or inconvenience arising from such transactions.
“The public is strongly urged to exercise caution, access our services only via the official portal, and avoid any dealings with unauthorized agents, websites, or third-party platforms.
“The Service does not recognize or provide any third-party payment alternatives for passport applications or related services.
“The Service remains steadfast in ensuring the trust of Nigerians by continuously strengthening its systems and monitoring processes to prevent misuse, fraud, or misrepresentation.” The statement read further.