Lagos — The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has said its Manual International Passports would remain valid until 2010.

An Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (Passports), Mr Chris Gaduya, who made the clarification in Lagos, said the manual passports would be simultaneously used alongside the new electronic passports until 2010.

Gaduya was reacting to complaints that some embassies in the country were insisting on electronic passports, thus compelling intending travellers to seek the new e-passports.

He, however, expressed concern at the development, saying that the embassies were notified that the manual passports would remain valid until 2010.

The Federal Government introduced the new electronic international passport (e-passport) in August 2007 to eliminate some sharp practices in the usage of the manual passports.

"The NIS is aware of the development. We are working on measures to correct the anomaly, although only a few embassies are involved," he admitted.