Court Directs Interior Minister and Immigration to Issue Passports Within Six Weeks

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling instructing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure that Nigerian passports are issued to qualified applicants within six weeks.

The order aligns with the provisions of Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act of 2015, which mandates timely processing of passports.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on December 4, 2023, stemmed from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Benita Ngozi Ezumezu, a Nigerian citizen who had been waiting for her passport for an extended period. Ezumezu, who submitted her passport application on October 6, 2022, claimed that despite meeting all necessary requirements, she had not received her passport even after 14 weeks.

Justice Nwite ruled in favor of Ezumezu, dismissing the defense put forth by the respondents—the NIS and the Minister of Interior. The court found that the delay in issuing the passport violated Ezumezu’s constitutional rights to freedom of movement and infringed on her right to receive public services in a timely manner, as stipulated by law.

In addition to directing the NIS to immediately issue Ezumezu her passport, the court awarded N3 million in damages, holding the NIS and the Minister accountable for the prolonged delay. The damages were seen as a means of compensating for the rights violation and as a deterrent against future inefficiency in public service delivery.

Ezumezu’s employer, Citizens’ Common (CC), a civil society organization, hailed the ruling as a major triumph for Nigerian citizens demanding improved services from government institutions. Olalekan Oshunkoya, the Chief Executive of CC, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the broader implications for public service reform.

Oshunkoya stated, “This judgment is an important milestone in the fight for timely and effective service delivery by government agencies. It underscores the challenges many Nigerians face in accessing basic services, and the need for agencies to honor their statutory obligations.”

He also pointed out that the award of damages serves as a strong reminder to government agencies about the legal and financial consequences of inefficiency.

Oshunkoya stressed the importance of continual improvement in public service standards, urging citizens to pursue legal action when their rights are violated to ensure accountability and better service delivery across the country.