In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to issue international passports to qualified applicants within six weeks.
This decision comes after the court found the NIS guilty of violating the constitutional rights of a Nigerian citizen by failing to provide her passport within the legally stipulated timeframe.
The ruling, delivered on December 4, 2024, by Justice Emeka Nwite, was in favor of Benita Ngozi Ezumezu. Ezumezu had filed a lawsuit against the NIS and the Interior Minister, citing the undue delay in processing her passport application.
14 Weeks of Frustration Ends in Victory
Ezumezu submitted her passport application on October 6, 2022, fulfilling all the necessary requirements. Despite this, her passport was not issued 14 weeks later, prompting her to take legal action.
In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/75/2023, Ezumezu argued that the delay violated her fundamental rights to freedom of movement as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The court agreed. Justice Nwite declared that Ezumezu was entitled to her passport within six weeks under Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015.
“The respondents’ failure to issue the passport within the stipulated timeframe is a clear violation of the applicant’s rights,” the judge ruled.
Justice Nwite granted all the reliefs sought by Ezumezu and awarded her N3 million in damages. He also ordered the NIS to issue her passport immediately.
A Fight for Every Nigerian
The court’s decision is not just a victory for Ezumezu but a significant moment for all Nigerians. The judgment underscores the government’s obligation to deliver essential services efficiently.
Citizens’ Common (CC), a civil society organization that supported Ezumezu during her legal battle, praised the judgment.
Olalekan Oshunkoya, Chief Executive of CC, described the decision as a step toward accountability.
“It should not be acceptable that services that can only be provided by the government remain poorly delivered without consequences,” he stated.
Oshunkoya further called on the Nigerian government to ensure that public institutions adhere to timelines for service delivery.
Legal Obligations and the Immigration Act
Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 2015 requires the NIS to issue international passports to applicants who meet all requirements within six weeks.
However, many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the delays in obtaining passports.
Ezumezu’s case sheds light on a recurring problem that affects countless citizens, particularly those needing passports for urgent travel, education, or work abroad.
Justice Nwite’s ruling is expected to set a precedent, compelling the NIS and other government agencies to prioritize efficiency and accountability.
Impact of the Judgment
The N3 million compensation awarded to Ezumezu serves as a warning to government agencies that fail to deliver services as mandated by law.
Ezumezu’s case has reignited conversations about the inefficiency in Nigeria’s public service sector.
“This is a reminder that Nigerians have rights, and these rights must be respected,” Oshunkoya said.
Many believe that this ruling will encourage more citizens to challenge poor service delivery by government agencies in court.
Nigerians Demand Better
Ezumezu’s victory has sparked hope among Nigerians who feel neglected by public institutions.
“Government services should not be this difficult to access,” said a Lagos-based traveler who recently spent months waiting for her passport renewal.
Another applicant, frustrated by the process, commented, “We need reforms in the Immigration Service. Nigerians deserve better.”
The Path Forward
While the court’s judgment is a win for Ezumezu, it also highlights a broader issue. Public institutions in Nigeria must address systemic delays that hinder efficient service delivery.
Experts have called for better resource allocation, staff training, and the use of technology to streamline operations at the NIS.
As the spotlight remains on the Immigration Service, Nigerians hope that this ruling will usher in a new era of accountability and efficiency.
