With increasing cybersecurity incidences, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has identified an online application and payment platform operating under the name of a religious organization, and warned the public of patronizing such fraudulent sites.
The NIS, in a statement, also disowned Web sites and agents masquerading as affiliates to NIS, restating that its official passport application portal ‘remains the only authorised platform for all passport-related payments and processing activities for Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, in the statement issued in Abuja, also dismissed certain claims circulating in the public domain regarding alternative passport application and payment processes.
Akinlabi, a Deputy Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration, emphasised that the NIS operates a secure, transparent and government-approved system, accessible exclusively through its official passport application portal.
The NIS further stated: “This remains the only authorised platform for all passport-related payments and processing activities for Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.
“At no time has the Service partnered with, or authorised any religious organisation, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf.”
The Service PRO also said: “Recent allegations suggesting that the name of a religious organisation appears in the Service’s payment process are entirely false and do not reflect the structure, integrity, or processes of the NIS.
“A simple review of our authorised payment portal confirms the transparency and authenticity of our platform.”
He equally warned: “Any third-party payment links or platforms purporting to process passport payments on behalf of the NIS are fraudulent and should be avoided at all costs.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service has taken note of this purported allegation and is currently investigating the matter to uncover the sources of this false claim.”
The passport issuance regulatory agency stated: “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 any individuals or groups found culpable.”
Speaking further on NIS’s standards, Akinlabi restated: “It is important to reiterate that the NIS strictly adheres to government financial regulations and works exclusively with licensed and accredited payment service providers that are clearly indicated within its authorised payment portal.
“Payments made outside the official channels provided by the NIS are made at the owner’s sole risk, and the Service takes no responsibility for any loss or inconvenience arising from such transactions.”
The Service further warned Nigerians: “The public is strongly urged to exercise caution, access our services only via the official portal, and avoid any dealings with unauthorised agents, Web sites, or third-party platforms.
“The Service does not recognise or provide any third-party payment alternatives for passport applications or related services.”
The NIS image maker as well noted: “The Service remains steadfast in ensuring the trust of Nigerians by continuously strengthening its systems and monitoring processes to prevent misuse, fraud, or misrepresentation.”
The Service, therefore, urged Nigerian consumers seeking clarification and assistance to go through its communication channels, including the following channels:
- X (Twitter): [@nigimmigration] (https://x.com/nigimmigration )
- Instagram: [@nigimmigration] (https://instagram.com/nigimmigration )
- Facebook: [@nigimmigration] (https://facebook.com/nigimmigration )
- Contact Centre Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 (available 24/7), it added
