Nigerian diaspora organizations have issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government, calling for immediate intervention to address the prolonged delays in processing National Identity Numbers (NIN) and Nigerian passports at embassies and consulates overseas.
Community leaders emphasize that these bottlenecks have persisted for years, leaving many citizens stranded without essential identity documents and hindering their ability to work, travel, or access basic services in their countries of residence.
The groups highlight a combination of systemic challenges, including inadequate staffing at diplomatic missions, outdated technological infrastructure, and cumbersome bureaucratic procedures that contribute to backlogs stretching several months.
They also point out that the situation is compounded by frequent changes in policy requirements and poor communication between relevant agencies in Nigeria and missions abroad, creating confusion and frustration among applicants.
In addition to resolving the delays, the diaspora representatives are urging authorities to review the high processing fees charged overseas, which they describe as significantly higher than those paid by residents in Nigeria for the same services.
They argue that such disparities place an unfair financial burden on citizens living abroad and have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the system to ensure efficiency, transparency, and equitable treatment for all Nigerians regardless of location.
