The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is under fire following the rollout of its new digital payment platform, Saanapay, which applicants have reported to cause severe delays, technical glitches and excessive charges during passport application.
The new payment platform, Saanapay, was replaced by the Teasypay system for international passport applications.
Unfortunately, persistent technical glitches and increased administrative hurdles have significantly slowed down processing times, leaving many applicants in limbo for weeks.
According to users of the platform, the service fees have soared, with some claiming they paid nearly the equivalent of a standard passport fee just to complete transactions.
The fallout has been particularly harsh for:
Business travellers, whose plans have been disrupted by passport processing delays. Many students, many of whom are struggling to secure travel documents for academic programmes abroad.
Medical travellers, some of whom have missed critical appointments overseas. Aisha Mohammed, a Lagos-based applicant, recounted her ordeal, “I missed a life-saving surgery abroad because my passport was delayed for months. It’s been a nightmare.”
Public backlash and demands for change
The backlash has been swift and vocal. Social media platforms are awash with complaints, with many branding Saanapay a “failed experiment.” Calls are growing louder for the reinstatement of Teasypay, which users say was more reliable and affordable.
An anonymous official within the NIS described the situation bluntly, saying, It’s a disaster. We were not prepared for this rollout, and the public is paying the price.”
Awaiting official response
As of now, the NIS has not issued a formal statement addressing the controversy. However, pressure is mounting for immediate reforms to restore public confidence and streamline the passport application process.
