The requirement of Bank Verification Number (BVN) for issuance of an electronic-passport by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been faulted by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
The governor, who lauded the service for introducing the e-passport with 10-year validity that would enable Nigerians acquire long-term visas, said the requirement for BNV was unnecessary. Wike stated this during the rollout of the enhanced travel document in Port Harcourt by the state Comptroller of Immigration, Segun Adegoke. The governor, who said he was impressed by the improved security features on the new passport, insisted that the requirement that Nigerians must supply their BVNs before obtaining the passport was uncalled for. The governor noted that the requirement that all those seeking to obtain the passport must have National Identity Number was key.