If you have lived and worked in Nigeria for more than 25 years, you will understand that bureaucratic delays dominate public services, and a single tweet can sometimes catalyse change. On Tuesday, January 13, investigative journalist and editor-in-chief of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Fisayo Soyombo, called out the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) over passport delays, prompting a swift action and the introduction of a new passport tracking feature.
What followed was a striking reminder of the power of public accountability. Within hours of his post, NIS not only confirmed the status of his passport but also announced a new tracking feature to notify applicants when their passports are ready for collection.
In a system often defined by months of red tape, Soyombo’s intervention shows how persistent citizen scrutiny can deliver tangible change quickly, efficiently, and visibly.
What Birthed the Saga
The saga began when Soyombo publicly expressed scepticism about the Interior Ministry’s ability to reform Nigeria’s passport system. In a Twitter post on 13 January 2026, Soyombo revealed that on 31 July 2025, he paid N109,700 via the NIS portal and visited a Lagos office to complete documentation and biometric capturing.
“On Thursday July 31, 2025, I paid a sum of N109,700 via the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) payment portal, then proceeded to one of their Lagos offices, to complete further documentation and capture. Meanwhile, the officers first mocked us for kick-starting the registration online,” he wrote in a tweet.
What should have been a routine process was fraught with frustration, as he was unable to complete biometric capturing that day due to a network failure lasting several hours.
“I couldn’t complete capturing on that day due to a “network problem” that lasted several hours; I was forced to return to their office the following day for that. As I write this, “passport pending production” is the long-running feedback from NIS.”
According to him, as months passed, his application remained listed as “passport pending production,” even as the minister continued to receive public praise for reforms, including promises of one-week passport issuance.
What People Said
Soyombo’s tweet immediately struck a chord with Nigerians frustrated by persistent delays in the passport application process. Many echoed his sentiment, highlighting personal experiences of waiting months for renewals or dealing with opaque system updates.
“I’ve been checking my application for six months with nothing but ‘pending production.’ This is exactly why people lose trust in government services,” one user tweeted in response.
Others pointed out that long queues, repeated visits to NIS offices, and intermittent network issues were common hurdles for thousands of applicants across the country.
Beyond individual frustrations, public discourse also touched on the broader governance implications. At the same time, many saw Soyombo’s post as a reminder of the power of public accountability, with several commenting that this kind of reporting forces institutions to respond more quickly than traditional channels ever could.
The Nigeria Immigration Service Responds
Within hours of Soyombo’s post, the NIS issued a public clarification. The service confirmed that his passport had already been produced and was ready for collection, emphasising that the delays could be attributed to incomplete applications, security checks, or technical glitches.
“We refer to the recent publication regarding a passport application specifically by Fisayo Soyombo, that has been pending. We wish to clarify that the passport in question has already been produced and is ready for delivery,” the NIS posted in a response.
In the statement, NIS highlighted that passport applicants have enjoyed the 2-3 weeks passport processing time with millions produced up to date, and that the Nigerian passport had improved its standing on the Henley Passport Index.
“In fact, over 1.3 million passports were produced in 2025 alone. Just this evening, reports are out that our passport now ranks higher on the Henley Passport Index. Hence, a single case of delay cannot ultimately be a true assessment of a reform that has earned public vote, and brought sanity to a crisis we once struggled with.”
NIS acknowledged that technical issues or incomplete applications can occasionally delay production, and expressed appreciation for citizen feedback, which helps improve service efficiency.
The New Passport Tracking Feature
Today, 15 January 2026, the NIS has now formally introduced a new update to its passport tracking portal. The feature, tagged “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”, informs applicants precisely when their passports are ready for collection, addressing a long-standing source of complaints regarding uncollected passports.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service has updated its passport tracking system. The Service observes that hundreds of passports produced had remained uncollected, leading to increasing complaints from applicants,” the NIS said in a post.
“This update enhances the existing tracking system, and helps applicants stay informed about timelines for passports produced and awaiting collection (for physical collection) or produced but not delivered (for courier delivery).”
According to NIS, the update improves transparency and keeps applicants informed on whether their passports are awaiting physical collection or courier delivery. The service reiterated its commitment to efficiency, aligning its operations with global best practices.
The service added that this innovation addresses complaints over uncollected passports, reinforcing its commitment to efficient and transparent service aligned with global best practices.
The Power of Public Accountability
According to observers, Fisayo Soyombo’s single tweet set in motion a response that would have taken months or perhaps years to achieve through conventional channels.
What might have required repeated calls, emails, or a formally submitted proposal was resolved in a matter of hours, demonstrating the impact of public accountability on service delivery.
Industry experts say this episode also serves as a reminder that, while reforms are ongoing, citizen vigilance and informed reporting remain essential in holding institutions accountable.
In a system often defined by delay and red tape, strategic, public feedback can fast-track change, translating frustration into meaningful solutions.
Talking Points
Fisayo Soyombo’s intervention shows the remarkable impact that determined, responsible journalism can have on public service delivery. By highlighting his six-month-long passport delay, he compelled the Nigeria Immigration Service to act swiftly, resulting in tangible improvements for millions of applicants.
This episode demonstrates how journalists can turn individual experiences into systemic change, using public accountability and social media to hold institutions responsible.
The new NIS tracking feature, which notifies applicants when their passports are ready for collection, is a direct outcome of Fisayo’s reporting, addressing a long-standing source of frustration and increasing transparency in a historically opaque system.
At Techparley, we commend Fisayo for showing how investigative reporting can lead to real reform, not only in Nigeria but as an example across Africa. His work underscores the potential of journalism to influence policy, improve governance, and empower citizens.
We hope that more journalists across the continent will follow his lead, using their platforms to expose inefficiencies, propose solutions, and advocate for change that benefits the public. With sustained, courageous reporting, media professionals can become catalysts for progress in Africa’s institutions and public services.
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