The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Muhammad Babandede has debunked media reports that the Service is experiencing shortage of passport booklets.

In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, SundayJames (ACI), the NIS said the clarification becomes necessary to avoid unnecessary tension and anxiety among the populace concerning availability of passport booklets.

“This statement is against the backdrop of interviews credited to some individuals alleging scarcity of Passport booklets which is simply an expression of personal opinion and not that of the NIS. We have as a matter of acceptable standard practice and procedures informed the public adequately on any scarcity of any of our facilities including Passports.

“In compliance with Presidential Executive Orders on transparency, any applicant who could not be issued Passport booklet due to any reasons including scarcity of booklets will be informed in writing.”

The NIS advised Nigerians to disregard the rumoured scarcity of passport booklets and go to any of its Passport Issuing Centres to process their applications.