‘It used to be like a market’ — diaspora citizen hails reforms at Nigerian embassy in US
Ndubuisi Ekekwe, a Nigerian residing in the United States has praised the transformation at the Nigerian embassy in Washington DC, describing recent experiences with passport services as “world-class.”
In a shared testimonial on X, Ekekwe, whose profile shows as a Harvard business review writer, recounted visiting the embassy on official business to secure a passport for a younger relative.
Contrary to past experiences marred by long queues, delays, and crowding, he said the environment was calm, orderly, and surprisingly efficient.
“I found less than 12 people who came to get possibly a passport or visa. And within minutes, everyone was gone. The workers there were excellent,” Ekekwe wrote.
Comparing the embassy’s previous condition to bustling Nigerian markets such as Terminus in Jos, Ariaria in Aba, and Oshodi in Lagos, the Nigerian said the transformation was nothing short of remarkable.
“I could not believe the level of transformation which the team has engineered,” the person added. “What I saw yesterday was a world-class system in all forms. Truly commendable,” he added.
He commended the Nigerian government, the supervising minister, the consulate general, and embassy staff for the improved passport processing experience.
“In the past, it used to be mayhem with young people asking for help to get their passports which had been waiting for months,” Ekekwe recalled.
He noted that the process appears seamless, transparent, and no longer dependent on the influence of “big men or women.”
He concluded with a call to replicate the success of the passport reform in other sectors of governance, stressing the power of consistent, small improvements.
“Little things and one by one, Nigeria can improve. Salute to the #TeamPassportNigeria.”
The federal government has in recent months intensified efforts to reform consular services abroad, including digitising passport application processes, reducing processing time, and improving staff professionalism.
