The Nigeria Immigration Service has dismissed reports alleging that the name of a religious organisation appears on its official passport payment portal, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on May 4, 2026, in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, clarified the matter in an official press release.

The response comes after a viral post claimed that a religious body was included in the passport application payment process, sparking concern among prospective applicants.

The Service stressed that its passport application system is secure, government-authorised, and accessible only through its official platform.

“The NIS operates a secure, transparent, and government-approved passport application system, which is accessible exclusively through its official portal at http://passport.immigration.gov.ng,” the statement reads in part.

It further noted that the portal remains the exclusive channel for all passport-related transactions and cautioned applicants against using unauthorised platforms.

“At no time has the Service partnered with or authorized any religious organization, private entity, or individual to act as an intermediary or receiving account on its behalf,” the statement added.

The agency stated that the alleged involvement of any religious body in its payment process does not represent its operations or systems.

It added that a review of its official portal clearly shows the transparency of its payment structure, and cautioned the public against interacting with fraudulent platforms.

“Any third-party payment links or platforms purporting to process passport payments on behalf of the NIS are fraudulent and should be avoided at all costs, ” it said.

The NIS reiterated that it operates strictly in line with government financial regulations and works only with licensed, accredited payment providers integrated into its official portal. It warned that any payments made outside the approved channels are undertaken at the user’s own risk.

The Service also revealed that it has launched an investigation into the origin of the false claims, noting that preliminary findings suggest deliberate attempts to mislead the public or tarnish its reputation. It assured that appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible.

In February 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service similarly debunked reports alleging that certain regions had been excluded from passport issuance, reiterating that its services remain available nationwide.

The latest episode highlights a growing trend of online misinformation targeting public institutions and private sector leaders alike.