Wike Rejects BVN Requirement For E-Passport

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has berated the  Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for stipulating Bank Verification Number (BVN) as a primary requirement for obtaining the new e-passport.

Naija News learnt that Wike made his remarks at the roll-out of the enhanced international e-passport in Port Harcourt.

According to him, he was shocked when he was informed that his BVN will be needed to obtain an international passport as he believes that new requirements would create problems for couples intending to travel with their families and urged NIS to revisit the requirement.

Wike said: “I was surprised when I was told to present my Bank Verification Number (BVN). Assuming I want to travel with my one-year-old child, does it mean my child cannot travel with me because he does not have a bank account?

“I don’t know how the BVN has become a factor in the issuance of an international passport. That is not acceptable. If this is the only way to check corruption, then we have failed.

“As a governor, you know my salary; you know my account and this can be collected from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). It is not hidden.”

Wike, however, praised the NIS for introducing the e-passport with 10-year validity, saying it would help in acquiring long-term visas.

He also hailed the agency for the improved security features on the passport.

“Introducing the e-passport is laudable because of its improved security features and others. The 10-year validity will afford people the opportunity to have longer visas,” he said.

Governor Wike also urged federal agencies to stop depending on state governments for their operations. The governor also noted that the National Identity Number (NIN) requirement for getting the e-passport was also key.

Wike praised the State Comptroller of Immigration Segun Adegoke for starting the issuance in Port Harcourt and appealed to the people to take advantage of the facility to obtain theirs.