The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating about its passport application and payment process, reaffirming that all services are conducted exclusively through its official portal.
In a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi,NIS emphasized that its passport application system is secure, transparent, and accessible only via its authorized website. It stressed that it has not partnered with any religious body, private organization, or individual to handle passport payments on its behalf.
The NIS described allegations suggesting that a religious organization is linked to its payment process as entirely untrue, urging Nigerians to disregard such claims. According to the Service, any third-party platforms or links claiming to process passport payments are fraudulent and should be avoided.
The agency disclosed that it has commenced investigations into the origin of the misinformation, noting that early findings point to the activities of individuals attempting to mislead the public or tarnish the Service’s reputation.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, the NIS stated that it operates strictly within government financial regulations and only works with licensed payment service providers embedded within its official portal. It warned that payments made outside these approved channels are at the user’s risk.
The Service advised the public to remain vigilant, use only its official platform for all passport-related transactions, and avoid unauthorized agents or websites.
It further assured Nigerians of its continued efforts to safeguard its systems against fraud and maintain public trust, while encouraging those with inquiries to contact its verified communication channels for assistance.
