By Daniel Kanu
A Non-Governmental Organization, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR), has condemned what it described as an “unwarranted 42 percent increase in passport processing”, calling on the government to immediately reverse the policy in the interest of good governance.
The group decried the action as undemocratic and unacceptable, saying it was another way of inflicting more hardship on the citizens despite the challenges of the current economy.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the group asked the Federal Government to prevail on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to maintain the status quo.
It reads in part: “CHSR wishes to unequivocally state that the recent announcement of the 42 percent increase in the procurement of passports by the federal government is uncalled-for, undemocratic, and unacceptable as it is another way of inflicting more hardship on the citizens considering the economic situation in the country.
“Nigerians are currently faced with the challenges of the high cost of living occasioned by the scarcity of fuel which has led to the return of long queues at different petrol stations.
“The federal government should be more concerned about incentives that will enhance the welfare of the people as well as addressing the worsening insecurity in the country.
“This is not the time to inflict more hardship on the people but to help Nigerians cope with the difficult challenges of survival.
“CHSR, as a matter of urgency, demand that the federal government should immediately revert to the old charges and mandate the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to maintain the status quo.”