The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has moved swiftly to quash circulating reports that the South East has been barred from obtaining passports.

In a statement signed by Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service described the claims as “entirely false” and “a gross misrepresentation” of ongoing reforms aimed at modernising passport services across the country.

Contrary to the rumours, NIS confirmed that no equipment in the South East has been dismantled, and passport issuance has not been halted in any part of the region. “These reports are misleading and could unnecessarily stir public anxiety,” the Service said.

The clarification comes as part of a broader effort to explain the phased rollout of a centralized passport production system, which began in 2024. According to NIS, the goal of this modernisation is to boost efficiency, security, and integrity in passport processing—not to exclude any citizen.

So far, offices in Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Plateau, as well as 35 international missions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, have been successfully integrated into the new system. The South East states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—along with five additional international stations in Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Austria, are set for migration in the first quarter of 2026.

NIS assures the public that the process has been carefully scheduled to avoid service disruptions. “We remain committed to equitable service delivery and operational excellence,” the statement emphasised, urging citizens to ignore speculative narratives that may create unnecessary tension.

Opinion: While the NIS clarification is welcome, the incident highlights a recurring challenge: the speed at which misinformation can spread online, especially on matters directly affecting citizens’ daily lives. Transparent communication, paired with consistent updates on reform timelines, could prevent panic and restore confidence in public institutions.