Abuja: The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of using fraudulent platforms for passport payments. The agency has categorically denied any involvement of third parties in its passport application process.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, released a statement in Abuja, addressing allegations that a religious organization was linked to the NIS payment system. Akinlabi described these claims as false and misleading. He emphasized that the passport application process is secure, transparent, and fully government-approved, accessible only via the official portal: http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
Akinlabi reiterated that the portal is the only authorized platform for all passport-related payments and processing for Nigerians, both domestically and internationally. He clarified that the NIS has not sanctioned any religious body, private organization, or individual to act as an intermediary or to collect payments on its behalf. The assertion that a religious organization is involved in the payment process is entirely unfounded and does not reflect the NIS’s structure or processes.
He highlighted that any third-party links or platforms purporting to process passport payments for the NIS are fraudulent and should be avoided. The NIS has launched an investigation into the origin of these allegations, with initial findings pointing towards individuals attempting to mislead the public or tarnish the service’s reputation. Akinlabi assured that appropriate actions would be taken against those responsible.
The NIS operates strictly within government financial regulations and collaborates only with licensed and accredited payment service providers clearly indicated on its official platform. Akinlabi warned that payments made outside of approved channels are at the payer’s risk, and the NIS will not be liable for any resulting loss or inconvenience.
The NIS urged Nigerians to exercise caution and utilize only its official portal, avoiding unauthorized agents, websites, and third-party platforms. Akinlabi affirmed the NIS’s commitment to maintaining public trust by strengthening its systems and monitoring processes to prevent fraud, misuse, and misrepresentation. For further inquiries or assistance, the public is advised to contact the NIS through its verified communication channels, including social media handles on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook (@nigimmigration).