Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike welcomed the integration of additional security features and requirement such as the national identification number as one of the key requirements for obtaining an international passport in Nigeria.
Speaking at the formal launch of the enhanced e-passport in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike who was issued the new passport on Tuesday urged residents of the state to take advantage of the new process.
Accompanied by his wife, the governor arrived the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Port Harcourt to witness the formal roll-out of the enhanced e-passport and also took advantage of his visit to procure one for himself.
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The new-look booklet is part of efforts by the Nigerian government to improve the quality and security of the travel document.
One major feature of the passport is the integration of the national identity number, a development welcomed by Governor Nyesom Wike.
The governor, however, questioned why Nigerians have to give out their bank verification numbers as part of requirements for obtaining the passport.
And while thanking the Nigeria immigration service for enhancing its services in the state, Governor Wike also used the opportunity to call on the people to take full advantage of the process.