A viral claim circulated online and suggested a religious organisation appeared on the NIS passport payment portal.
This allegation spread quickly across social media and raised concern among passport applicants nationwide.
NIS Rejects Viral Claim
On May 4, 2026 in Abuja, the Nigeria Immigration Service publicly rejected the claim as false.
DCI Akinsola Akinlabi addressed the issue and clarified that the system remains government-controlled and secure.
The Service also stated that no religious group links to its passport payment system at any time.
Official Payment System Clarified
It further explained that applicants complete all transactions only through the official portal and approved channels.
Officials confirmed that users must access the official site at http://passport.immigration.gov.ng for all applications.
The NIS stressed that it has never authorised any third party to collect passport payments.
In addition, it confirmed that no individual or organisation acts as an intermediary for the Service.
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Authorities warned the public and urged users to avoid third-party links because they remain fraudulent.
The agency also stated that such claims do not reflect how its operations actually function.
Meanwhile, officials explained that the payment structure follows clear government financial regulations for transparency.
Investigation And Public Warning
The Service has also begun investigating the origin of the false claim.
Early findings suggest that some actors deliberately spread misinformation to mislead the public.
The NIS warned that it will take appropriate legal and administrative action against those responsible.
Furthermore, the Service urged applicants to rely only on verified government platforms for transactions.
It also advised that users accept full risk when they make payments outside approved systems.
Previously, the Service handled similar misinformation cases and responded quickly to correct public records.
Earlier in 2026, it denied claims that it restricted passport issuance in certain regions nationwide.
The Service reaffirmed that it continues operations across all parts of Nigeria without limitation.
Additionally, recent misinformation cases have also affected public figures and business leaders.
For example, Femi Otedola publicly denied false claims regarding refinery listing arrangements.
