A proposed policy to centralise the production and processing of Nigerian international passports has sparked debate among stakeholders, with growing calls for the Federal Government to suspend the initiative pending broader consultations and a comprehensive assessment of its potential impact.
In a public commentary released on Monday, Dr. Hussaini Coomassie urged the government to approach the proposed reform with caution, arguing that major policy changes affecting millions of Nigerians should be driven by transparency, inclusiveness and due process.
According to him, while reforms are necessary to improve public service delivery, they must be carefully conceived and implemented in a manner that strengthens public confidence in government institutions.
He noted that the passport remains one of the country’s most important official documents, stressing that any changes to its production and accessibility should be preceded by extensive stakeholder engagement, public enlightenment and an objective evaluation of the administrative, operational and security implications.
Dr. Coomassie said concerns had emerged among stakeholders that the proposed centralisation, coming shortly after successive increases in passport fees, could place additional burdens on Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.
He maintained that government policies should prioritise convenience, affordability and improved service delivery while enhancing public trust.
Beyond the passport policy, the former immigration officer also raised concerns over the administration of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), warning that the Service’s long-standing traditions of professionalism, merit, discipline and institutional independence must be preserved.
He argued that excessive external influence in operational and personnel matters could undermine institutional values, weaken morale among officers and diminish public confidence in the Service.
Dr. Coomassie further emphasised the need for appointments and promotions within the NIS to strictly follow established procedures, insisting that career advancement should continue to be based on merit, competence, integrity and leadership ability.
He also stressed that strategic public institutions should remain free from any perception of sectionalism, tribalism or religious bias, noting that fairness, inclusiveness and national unity are essential for sustaining public confidence in government institutions.
The commentary also highlighted expectations surrounding the recently appointed Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, urging the Board to provide effective oversight by ensuring that policies, appointments and administrative decisions comply with extant laws and principles of good governance.
Dr. Coomassie equally called on the Comptroller-General of Immigration to sustain the Service’s professionalism through transparent decision-making, stakeholder engagement and the careful implementation of reforms.
He recommended that the proposed passport centralisation be temporarily suspended to allow for wider consultations, comprehensive public sensitisation and an independent assessment of its administrative, operational and socio-economic implications.
According to him, such an approach would enable the government to take informed decisions capable of attracting broad public support while strengthening institutional credibility.
He concluded that sustainable public sector reforms must be anchored on consultation, accountability, professionalism and respect for established institutional processes, with the welfare of citizens remaining the overriding consideration.
