How I got my international passport renewed: a system that could work if...

A system refers to a specified pattern of how things work with little or no deviation, such that you know that 1 + 1 = 2 and 5 + 4 = 9. Thus, a system is a unified and accepted pattern of a process. A working system, I believe, is the fulcrum where law and order thrive.

Nigeria, the most populous African country that is referred to as the giant of Africa, has a diversity of cultures and people with different and admirable backgrounds. The average Nigerian is a smart lad; sometimes it is difficult to be cheated, but other times he may be the one outsmarting another. You really can't beat a Nigerian who has his mind fixed on a goal.

Do systems work in Nigeria? Take this ride of experience with me, and let's conclude together at the end.

My unused international passport has expired since 2013, and I thought it wise to renew it. You know what they say about luck meeting with a prepared mind? That was my intention, RENEW YOUR PASSPORT, YOU NEVER CAN TELL IF OPPORTUNITIES WOULD ARRIVE AND YOUR PASSPORT WOULD BE A REQUIREMENT!

So, my friend sent me this message below on the 7th of January, where the new interior minister, Honourable Tunji Ojo, asked citizens to apply for their passports (new and renewal) online rather than going through corners. Here in Nigeria, the least amount paid for a passport is ₦45, 000, which varies based on location and urgency. If your passport is needed urgently, be prepared to pay extra fees, which can be close to ₦100, 000, and the same for some locations, such as Lagos and Ilorin, where there are many applicants. The immigration officers use passport applications as a means of personal pocket funding rather than guiding or helping applicants.

For whatever reason, the interior minister ordered applicants not to go through immigration officers but to apply directly online. This in itself is what it should be: a digitalized society where you can have things done at the comfort of your home and without extra cost.

MY ONLINE APPLICATION

Remember I stated earlier that I just wanted to renew the passport and not because I needed it urgently? In fact, I didn't mind waiting for six months since I really have no need for it yet. I sat in the comfort of my home and processed the renewal application, which went through successfully and without a hitch. I expected to get an appointment immediately, and when I could not access that on the portal, I contacted their customer service, and I was informed to be patient for my submitted documents to be verified by her, which was normal. Within 96 hours, I was able to book an appointment for capturing, which sounded too real to be true, as I used to know it takes about two weeks for such to happen. My documents were taken from me on my appointment day and forwarded to the HQ for another verification, bureaucracy, I guess.

I paid ₦35, 000 for the renewal of my international passport, which has a validity of 5 years and 32 pages, on Thursday. There was an option of 64 pages for 10 years at a cost of ₦70, 000. The bank charges, in addition to the money I paid, were ₦1,400, which brought the cumulative amount to ₦36,400. I got to meet two immigration officers from my tribe during the course of my presentation for an appointment at the immigration office, and they availed themselves readily (kinship or otherwise); however, they expressed a pessimistic attitude when they knew I processed my application online. Nonetheless, they availed themselves still and directed me where and how to proceed.

Exactly a week after my online processing and payment, I was to have my capture, but the network was done nationwide. Rumors had it that a former company handled the immigration platform and was unwilling to breach the contract as desired by the new Honourable Minister of Interior. I spent the whole of Thursday at the immigration office in futility, hungry and amazed at what I heard!

SYSTEM or HUMAN ERRORS?

"Tunji Ojo (the minister for interior) does not want us to eat again. He said we should not collect money from applicants. When applicants have made mistakes during the online application, let Tunji Ojo rectify them for them." I heard one of the immigration officials lament an applicant. Here, I saw the resistance posed to the interior minister because of the new system of online applications.

Also, my printed form had to be moved from one office to the capturing room. It took the mercy of one of the officials I knew there before it was eventually moved. I heard the lady official ask the officer I knew if he knew me or if I was his candidate. There again, I realized the damage in the system was deep, and you could barely survive if you wanted to follow the books. By Friday, the following day after the outage of the network, I was captured in less than 5 minutes as the network issue was resolved. I voluntarily appreciated financially (call it a modified tip) those officers that made my work easier, for a total of ₦4, 000.

Exactly 40 days after I was captured, I was informed via one of my contacts that my passport was ready, which I went to pick up without a hassle. It may have come out earlier, but if the official had not checked for me when he did, I may not be notified until months later if the office realizes I have not picked it up.

IMAGE CREDIT

SUMMATION

The system can work, but the degree of havoc is huge and has been for a long time, such that serious resistance would be met. I have had offers (financially) to facilitate a registration process in my office, which I declined prudently. I realized there is a mentality that Nigerians believe that money can buy their way through any process, even when they are not qualified.

One man cannot change a nation, especially Nigeria. It would require a massive overhaul of processes and, especially, mentality to have a system work.

Other developed countries thrive on systems where 1 + 1 = 2 and not 19, as seen in various sectors of the nation.

We must keep encouraging those that work tirelessly to have and make the system work while the change begins with us as individuals.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.