The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rejected allegations circulating online about irregularities in its passport application and payment system.
The clarification was issued on Monday, May 5, 2026, through the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi.
The agency said the claims were false and designed to mislead Nigerians seeking passport services at home and abroad.
It explained that its passport system remains fully digital, secure, and accessible only through its official portal.
The Nigeria Immigration Service portal is the only approved platform for passport application and payment processing.
Meanwhile, the Service dismissed suggestions that any religious organisation or private entity is involved in its payment process.
Officials said no intermediary has ever been authorised to collect or process passport fees on behalf of the government agency.
NIS Rejects Third-Party Payment Allegations
According to the statement, recent claims linking a religious body to passport payments are entirely unfounded.
The Service said such narratives do not reflect how its system operates or how government payments are handled.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service operates a secure, government-approved passport application system, which is accessible exclusively through our official portal.”
It further clarified that no organisation, religious group, or individual is permitted to act as a payment channel.
“At no time has the Immigration Service partnered with or authorised any religious organisation, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf.”
The agency warned Nigerians that any website or agent outside its official system is fraudulent and should be avoided.
It also reiterated that payments made outside approved platforms are at the risk of the applicant.
Furthermore, the Service confirmed that investigations have begun into the origin of the misleading reports.
Early findings suggest the involvement of individuals allegedly attempting to damage the agency’s reputation.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of a mischief-maker seeking to tarnish the reputation of the Service or mislead the public for ulterior motives. Appropriate action will be taken against anyone found culpable.”
Public Advisory On Passport Application Safety
The NIS reminded Nigerians that all passport transactions must go through its verified digital system.
It also confirmed that only licensed payment providers integrated into its platform are recognised for official transactions.
Citizens were advised to avoid third-party agents, unofficial websites, and social media handlers claiming to offer faster processing.
The Service said such platforms are not recognised and often expose applicants to financial fraud.
It also encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to use official communication channels for assistance.
These include verified social media pages and the 24-hour contact centre operated by the agency.
The Immigration Service said it remains committed to improving its systems to reduce fraud and build public trust.
As digital services expand across government agencies, concerns about online impersonation may continue to be on the rise.
For many applicants, the challenge is distinguishing official platforms from fraudulent ones, and more scaringly, when officials may be involved as alleged.
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