LASG Partners Immigration Over Speedy Issuance Of ePassport, As 2,000 pilgrims Set For Saudi Arabia

The Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi has sought the support of the Nigeria Immigration Service towards ensuring that the newly introduced enhanced Electronic Passport is issued to all intending pilgrims without any encumbrance .

Elegushi made the plea during a recent courtesy visit to the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and Passport Control Officer, Mr. Tajudeen Gbadamosi and Management Staff of the Immigration Service at the Alausa, Ikeja Passport office .

According to a statement on Saturday, the Commissioner informed his hosts that part of the statutory responsibilities of the Ministry was the safe airlifting of intending pilgrims to and from the Holy lands of Mekka and Madina in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem in Israel.

He confirmed that the State intends to airlift over 2,000 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the religious rites this year.

While noting that over 70% of the intending pilgrims are yet to procure the new International Passport required to travel abroad for the pilgrimage, Elegushi stressed the need to collaborate for prompt and preferential treatment to intending pilgrims.

The Passport Control Officer, Mr. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, appreciated the State Government for being a reliable strategic partner over the years and expressed the readiness of the service to collaborate with the State for improved service delivery.

Gbadamosi assured the Commissioner and his entourage that the Alausa passport office would set up a special desk specifically for the intending pilgrims with a view to giving them prompt attention whenever they apply for the International.