Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned Nigerians against patronising fraudulent platforms for passport payments, while dismissing claims of third-party involvement in its application process.

This was disclosed in a statement by NIS on Monday. It described it as false and misleading, suggesting that a religious organisation was linked to its payment system.

The NIS maintained that its passport application process remained secure, transparent and fully government-approved and was accessible only through its official portal: http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.

It stressed that the portal was the sole authorised platform for all passport-related payments and processing for Nigerians both within the country and in the diaspora.

“The service has not authorised any religious body, private organisation or individual to act as an intermediary or receive payments on its behalf.

“The claims that a religious organisation appears in our payment process are entirely false and do not reflect the structure, integrity or processes of the NIS,” the NIS said.

The statement added that a simple verification of the NIS official portal would confirm the authenticity and transparency of its system.

It cautioned that any third-party links or platforms claiming to process passport payments for the NIS were fraudulent and should be avoided.

The statement disclosed that the NIS had commenced an investigation into the source of the allegations, noting that preliminary findings suggested the involvement of individuals attempting to mislead the public or damage the service’s reputation.

It assured that appropriate sanctions would be applied against those found culpable and reiterated that NIS operates strictly in line with government financial regulations and works only with licensed and accredited payment service providers clearly indicated on its official platform.

NIS warned that payments made outside the approved channels were at the payer’s risk, adding that it would not be responsible for any loss or inconvenience arising from such transactions.

It urged Nigerians to exercise caution, use only its official portal, and avoid unauthorised agents, websites and third-party platforms.

“The service does not recognise or provide any alternative payment options for passport applications or related services,” it said.

NIS assured the public of its commitment to safeguarding trust by strengthening its systems and monitoring processes to prevent fraud, misuse and misrepresentation.

“For further enquiries or assistance, we advise the public to contact NIS via its verified communication channels, including its social media handles on X (Twitter), Instagram and Facebook (@nigimmigration).

“Other contact centre numbers are 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092, available 24/7, and WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772,” it said.

Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has hosted delegates from nine African countries for a cross-regional peer exchange visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on data protection, privacy, and digital governance across the continent.

NDPC

The peer exchange programme was organised by the NDPC in partnership with the World Bank and Smart Africa as part of ongoing efforts to deepen institutional capacity and harmonise data protection frameworks in Africa.

Speaking during the opening session, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, commended the World Bank and Smart Africa for their sustained commitment to advancing data protection and privacy across the continent.

Olatunji said the exchange was timely, particularly as African countries continue to accelerate digital transformation and expand cross-border data flows requiring stronger governance frameworks.

He noted that the programme provides Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa with an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and develop coordinated regulatory approaches.

According to him, collaboration among African countries is critical to ensuring that data controllers and processors comply with their obligations while protecting the rights of data subjects.

“The peer exchange offers us an opportunity to collectively examine our progress, identify common challenges, and strengthen institutional cooperation around data governance on the continent,” he said.

Drawing lessons from Europe’s experience with harmonised privacy laws, Olatunji highlighted the benefits of aligning data protection regulations across Africa to improve trust, facilitate digital trade, and strengthen cybersecurity resilience.

He urged participating countries to work towards developing practical and enforceable regulations that respond to the realities of Africa’s digital economy.

The NDPC boss also advised data protection regulators to collaborate closely with government institutions and the private sector in their respective countries to ensure effective implementation of privacy laws and digital governance frameworks.

He stressed the need for greater public awareness on data rights, noting that educating citizens remains essential to building a culture of accountability and privacy protection.

Countries participating in the peer exchange include Burundi, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Zambia.

Also participating are representatives from regional organisations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The initiative builds on NDPC’s previous regional engagements in 2025, when the commission hosted Data Protection Authorities from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and The Gambia for a Data Governance Study Trip organised in partnership with the African Union and the European Union.

According to NDPC, the latest engagement reinforces the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening Africa’s data governance ecosystem amid rising concerns around cybersecurity, digital trust, and privacy compliance.

The commission said the programme also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision of expanding Nigeria’s cooperation with other nations in the digital age while positioning the country as a leading voice in Africa’s evolving digital policy landscape.

Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, Konga, has officially announced the launch of its highly anticipated Konga Tech Month. Konga Tech Month is a month-long campaign dedicated to delivering exceptional value across the technology category.

Konga Tech Month Campaign

It runs from May 1 to May 31, 2026, and presents one of the most compelling opportunities for consumers, SMEs and corporates to acquire premium technology products at jaw-dropping discounts of up to 50% across a wide range of products.

Tech Month is designed to meet the growing demand for genuine, reliable, high-performance technology solutions in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Through strategic collaborations with global technology leaders such as Samsung, LG, ASUS, HP, and Starlink, Konga is reinforcing its commitment to technological democratization as the global economy increasingly pivots toward a digital-first future.

From smartphones and laptops to televisions, refrigerators, and cutting-edge accessories, the campaign delivers a comprehensive suite of technology solutions tailored to both personal and professional needs. Whether consumers are upgrading their home entertainment systems or equipping their workspaces for enhanced productivity, Konga Tech Month provides a one-stop destination for quality, affordability, and convenience.

A key highlight of this year’s campaign is the prominent participation of Starlink as a focal partner. In a significant development for Nigeria’s connectivity landscape, Starlink has designated Konga as its authorized support centre, enabling customers to access in-person assistance at select Konga retail stores nationwide.

This means that beyond enjoying exclusive discounts on Starlink kits during special campaign phases, customers can now receive expert guidance on purchase decisions, installation, and troubleshooting, bridging the gap between advanced global technology and local accessibility. This initiative reinforces Konga’s commitment to delivering not just products, but end-to-end customer experience and support.

Konga Tech Month is further enhanced by a range of value-driven incentives designed to improve convenience and drive customer satisfaction. Shoppers who purchase from the official stores of Samsung and LG on Konga will enjoy free delivery, reinforcing the platform’s promise of affordability without hidden costs.

In addition, Konga’s same-day delivery service, KongaNow, ensures that customers can receive their orders within hours, eliminating the delays typically associated with e-commerce transactions. This capability is particularly beneficial for urgent purchases, enabling users to access essential tech products exactly when they need them.

To maximise the benefits of the campaign, customers are encouraged to download the Konga mobile app, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. App users gain access to exclusive app-only deals, including free shipping on select offers, as well as early notifications on flash sales and limited-time promotions.

Beyond the immediate consumer benefits, Konga Tech Month plays a strategic role in advancing digital adoption across Nigeria. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on technology for communication, education, and productivity, access to affordable and reliable devices becomes essential.

By partnering directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Konga ensures that customers receive 100% authentic products, eliminating concerns around quality and reliability. This direct sourcing model not only strengthens consumer trust but also supports long-term brand loyalty.

Furthermore, the campaign aligns with broader economic goals by facilitating access to tools that drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in various sectors. From small businesses seeking to digitise operations to students investing in learning tools, Tech Month provides practical solutions that empower users to thrive in a technology-driven world.

To fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by Konga Tech Month, customers are advised to stay actively engaged with the platform. Following Konga’s official social media channels and enabling notifications ensures real-time access to flash sales and exclusive discount phases.

As the campaign unfolds throughout May, shoppers can expect continuous updates, surprise deals, and enhanced offerings designed to deliver maximum value.

Konga Tech Month is more than a promotional event; it is a strategic initiative that underscores Konga’s leadership in Nigeria’s e-commerce and technology retail space. By combining competitive pricing, global brand partnerships, seamless logistics, and customer-centric innovations, Konga continues to redefine how Nigerians access and experience technology.

As the digital economy expands, initiatives like Tech Month serve as critical enablers, ensuring that consumers are not only connected but also equipped with the tools needed to succeed.

For shoppers across the country, the message is clear: this May, the smartest way to upgrade your digital life is through Konga Tech Month.