Nigerians seeking passports have been left stranded and frustrated due to technical difficulties with the online payment system used for processing applications. The National Immigration Service (NIS) confirmed the issue in a statement titled “Technical Glitches with Online Payment Platform,” acknowledging the problem and expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to the public.
NIS Response and Assurances
The NIS has assured the public that they are working hard to resolve the technical issues and restore normal service as quickly as possible. However, despite these assurances, the prolonged disruption has led to growing dissatisfaction among passport applicants across the country.
Concerns Over the New Payment Platform
Epa Stevens, a Lagos-based fintech analyst, highlighted the challenges that have come with the NIS’s transition to a new payment platform. He noted that previous platforms like Interswitch and Remita effectively supported the Treasury Single Account (TSA), but the shift to the new system has resulted in significant service disruptions. Stevens expressed concerns about whether the new platform can handle the demands of the TSA, given the current breakdown.
Impact on Urgent Travel Plans
The payment system malfunction has had serious consequences for individuals, especially those with urgent travel plans. Obinna Okafor, an importer with plans to travel to China, expressed his frustration, stating, “NIS should provide an alternative payment channel.” Okafor’s situation reflects the broader impact of these glitches, with many applicants left counting their losses and demanding a swift resolution.
Call for Immediate Solutions
As the online payment system remains down, the situation continues to worsen for passport applicants. The NIS is facing increasing pressure to find a quick solution to prevent further disruption and restore confidence in the system. Citizens are urging the agency to either fix the existing platform or offer alternative payment methods to ensure that essential services like passport issuance are not hindered by technical issues.
