Daramola E. Adenike

I recently tried to replace my Nigerian passport due to change of name and I decided to apply myself via the upgraded online platform. To say I saw “Shege” would be an understatement! If you apply yourself, they would leave your application pending without explanation. #Nigeria

@Leon_Schreib There are officials at the South African Home Affairs Office collecting bribes to process visas for Nigerians. They charge ridiculous fees and with only the applicant’s passport data page, they process visas allowing people into SA not based on merit, but on money!

So Vietnam has silently banned Nigerian passport holders and no one is talking about it? Iss okay #NigerianTraveler @NigeriaMFA

I ended up paying extra N200,000. I captured same day after this payment and my passport was out in 48hrs. Why!?????? #NigeriaImmigrationService

I recently tried to replace my Nigerian passport due to change of name and I decided to apply myself via the upgraded online platform. To say I saw “Shege” would be an understatement! If you apply yourself, they would leave your application pending without explanation. #Nigeria

My present passport is already full. So even if I decide not to pursue this process further, I still have to apply for passport renewal. I had to travel in few weeks and it was almost looking like I wouldn’t be able to make my trip.

Apparently, to get an approval for “Change of Data” passport application within a reasonable time frame, you MUST grease someone’s palm. I feel so ashamed of this system!

I went back the next day. After lot of back and forth, he told me to change name on passport is not an easy process. He said it would cost me some money especially if I want it out in good time. He said the approval of this type of application is limited to few top officials

He directed me to the servicom unit. I explained my situation to one of the officers and told him I had to come all the way from Lagos. He asked me to wait. I waited till close of work and nothing. #NigerianImmigration

I booked a flight on Airpeace. One way ticket costs N150,000 I got to Abuja, dropped my luggage with a friend and went straight to the NIS HQ, ABUJA. Getting there, I met an officer and complained to him. Again, I was asked “Did you apply yourself?” #NigeriaImmigrationService

They said the approval can only come from Abuja. I guess I would have to travel to Abuja to get answers. #NigeriaImmigrationService

I spoke with someone who told me to go back to Ikoyi. According to him, they know what to do and can get the appropriate approval to enable me capture. So I went back to Ikoyi the next day. I was evident that I was just being tossed around. They kept insisting it is beyond them.

I actually refused to believe him. Isn’t this the same NIS that is now working? I decided to pursue it further and ask questions through the official channels. The first step was to call the Hotlines as posted on their platforms. #NigeriaImmigrationService

I went back home and decided to reach out to few people I know in NIS and asked questions. Someone told me except I apply through an officer and pay some unofficial extras fees, my application might take 4 months! #NigeriaImmigrationService

I asked when the approval is likely to come and they said they don’t know. They asked me to go wait at home and to keep checking the portal for approval. No specified or projected time frame. Just wait till whenever. This was 3 weeks after application. #NigeriaImmigration

On my appointment day, and after being tossed from one office to another and being asked several times if I applied myself, they finally informed me that my application has not been approved and that means I cannot capture

After submitting my application and paying the official fees of N104,000. I was able to schedule an appointment for capturing online which is 3 weeks after my application submission. #NigeriaImmigrationService

@Sterling_Bankng please what is happening to your platforms? I have not been able to access Sterling Pro neither have I been able to login or signup on Banca. Is this how you leave us stranded? You have refused to respond to emails and complaints. My acct mgr is the worse!

Meanwhile, if you have time to spare, you can insist on not paying at Nigeria-Benin border. The Nigeria side is more likely to allow you go than the Benin side. If you travel solo, you are more likely to pay lesser amount than when you travel in a Group with a private car/bus.

I just came back from a road trip to Ghana via Nigeria-Benin (Seme), Benin-Togo (Hilaconji) & Togo-Ghana (Aflao) borders. I have traveled to thirty (30) countries this year (land, air & sea) and I wld say this was the most stressful, frustrating, & traumatic border experience!

At Seme Border (Nigeria-Benin), the billings were minimal. Although it's suppose to be free entry and exit but just to save us time, we didn't mind paying some cash. Moreso, they were a bit open to negotiation and haggling. Depending on the officer on duty.

The level of corruption at these borders is alarming and very disturbing! It was like playing a video game where victory at level 1 takes you to level 2 which comes with higher obstacles and challenges that would have to be conquered before moving to level 3.