Passport application: New platform causes technical glitches, delay

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is under fire following the rollout of its new digital payment platform, Saanapay, which applicants have reported to cause severe delays, technical glitches and excessive charges during passport application.

The new payment platform, Saanapay, was replaced by the Teasypay system for international passport applications.

Unfortunately, persistent technical glitches and increased administrative hurdles have significantly slowed down processing times, leaving many applicants in limbo for weeks.

According to users of the platform, the service fees have soared, with some claiming they paid nearly the equivalent of a standard passport fee just to complete transactions.

The fallout has been particularly harsh for:

Business travellers, whose plans have been disrupted by passport processing delays. Many students, many of whom are struggling to secure travel documents for academic programmes abroad.

Medical travellers, some of whom have missed critical appointments overseas. Aisha Mohammed, a Lagos-based applicant, recounted her ordeal, “I missed a life-saving surgery abroad because my passport was delayed for months. It’s been a nightmare.”

Public backlash and demands for change

The backlash has been swift and vocal. Social media platforms are awash with complaints, with many branding Saanapay a “failed experiment.” Calls are growing louder for the reinstatement of Teasypay, which users say was more reliable and affordable.

An anonymous official within the NIS described the situation bluntly, saying, It’s a disaster. We were not prepared for this rollout, and the public is paying the price.”

Awaiting official response

As of now, the NIS has not issued a formal statement addressing the controversy. However, pressure is mounting for immediate reforms to restore public confidence and streamline the passport application process.

Applicants can continue to monitor the status of their applications by visiting the official NIS website and entering their reference number and application ID.

Ngozi Ekugo

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Labour Market Analyst and Correspondent, specializing in the research and analysis of workplace dynamics, labour market trends, immigration reports, employment law and legal cases in general.

Her editorial work provides valuable insights for business owners, HR professionals, and the global workforce. She has garnered experience in the private sector in Lagos and has also had a brief stint at Goldman Sachs in the United Kingdom.

An alumna of Queens College, Lagos, Ngozi studied English at the University of Lagos, holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Hertfordshire and is an Associate Member of CIPM and Member of CMI, UK.