Nigerians in Canada hail Interior Minister, NIS over swift passport intervention
The Nigerian diaspora community in Canada has highly commended the Federal Government following the successful conclusion of a multi-city passport intervention program that captured and processed data for over 2,200 citizens.
The exercise, known as the NiDEC Passport Intervention Programme, was executed between August 12 and September 4, 2026. Led by the Ministry of Interior under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the initiative ran in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian High Commission, and the Nigerian Canadian Association Council of Presidents (NCACP).
In total, 2,233 applicants successfully underwent biometric capturing across five major Canadian regions: Toronto, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatoon, and Calgary.
Diaspora beneficiaries expressed immense satisfaction with the unprecedented speed of the exercise.
According to official statements from NiDCOM’s Abdur-RahmanBalogun, many applicants received their physical passports within four to seven days of completing their biometrics.
Community members praised the deployed immigration officers for their dedication, noting that teams worked exhausting schedules—including weekends—to ensure maximum coverage.
Acknowledging the logistical success of the multi-city operation, the NCACP highlighted that the seamless execution serves as a model for responsive public service and strong state-diaspora partnerships.
Following the high turnout and positive reception, community leaders have formally appealed to the Minister of Interior to approve a second phase of the intervention to accommodate Nigerian citizens in Canada who missed the initial exercise.
