The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has refuted claims that the name of a religious organisation appears on its official passport payment portal, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
This was disclosed on May 4, 2026, in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, through an official press statement issued by the agency.
The clarification follows a viral claim suggesting that a religious entity was listed as part of the payment process for passport applications, raising concerns among applicants.
What they are saying
The Service emphasised that its passport application system remains secure and government-approved, accessible only through its official platform.
- “The NIS operates a secure, transparent, and government-approved passport application system, which is accessible exclusively through its official portal at http://passport.immigration.gov.ng,” the statement reads in part.
It added that the portal is the sole channel for all passport-related transactions and warned against the use of unauthorized platforms.
- “At no time has the Service partnered with or authorized any religious organization, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf,” the statement added.
More insights
The agency said the involvement of any religious body in its payment process does not reflect its operations or systems.
It explained that a review of its official portal clearly demonstrates the transparency of its payment structure and warned the public against engaging with fraudulent platforms.
- “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 NIS further reiterated that it operates strictly within government financial regulations, working only with licensed and accredited payment providers integrated into its official portal. It cautioned that payments made outside approved channels are done at the user’s risk.
The Service also disclosed that it has commenced investigations into the source of the false claims, noting that early findings point to deliberate attempts to mislead the public or damage its reputation, with assurances that appropriate actions would be taken against those responsible.
What you should know
In February 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service similarly dismissed reports alleging that certain regions in the country had been excluded from passport issuance, maintaining that its services remain accessible nationwide.
The latest development adds to a growing wave of misinformation circulating online, affecting both public institutions and private sector leaders.
Recently, Femi Otedola publicly denied claims that he sought a special allocation from Aliko Dangote in the planned listing of the Dangote refinery.
The clarification followed viral reports alleging that Dangote had turned to business associates such as Tony Elumelu and Mike Adenuga for financial support—claims that were also dismissed by those involved.
