Lagos, Wednesday, 06/05/2026
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, expresses deep concern over recent reports alleging that the name of Dunamis International Gospel Centre appeared on a payment receipt linked to passport renewal transactions conducted through a platform associated with the Nigeria Immigration Service.
According to multiple reports, Nigerians who made payments for passport services via a Paystack-integrated channel observed an unexpected reference to a Christian organisation in their transaction details. This development has triggered widespread concern, particularly regarding the integrity, neutrality, and transparency of Nigeria’s public service systems.
MPAC notes with interest the official response from the Nigeria Immigration Service, which has categorically denied any affiliation with the said religious body and clarified that its passport application and payment processes are conducted strictly through its official portal. The Service further described the claims as false and announced an ongoing investigation into the source of the anomaly.
While acknowledging this clarification, MPAC emphasizes that the gravity of the situation goes beyond mere denial. The appearance – whether real or manipulated – of any religious institution within a government payment framework raises serious questions about system security, oversight, and the potential erosion of public trust.
As a nation built on religiously conscious constitutional democracy, Nigeria must ensure that no perception of religious bias, endorsement, or institutional compromise is allowed to fester within public systems. Even isolated incidents, if not thoroughly addressed, risk deepening suspicion and undermining national cohesion.
MPAC therefore calls for:
– A transparent and independent investigation into the reported incident, with findings made public.
– A comprehensive audit of all payment gateways and third-party integrations associated with government services, particularly those handling sensitive national processes like passport issuance.
– Clear accountability mechanisms to identify and sanction any actors – internal or external – found culpable.
– Strengthened cybersecurity and system integrity measures to prevent recurrence and restore public confidence.
Furthermore, MPAC urges Nigerians to remain calm and rely only on verified official platforms, such as the NIS passport application portal, for all transactions relating to passport services.
At a time when Nigeria is striving to build trust in its institutions, transparency must not only be upheld but seen to be upheld. Public confidence in government systems is non-negotiable and must be protected with the highest level of diligence.
Disu Kamor
Executive Chairman
Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria
kamor.disu@mpac-ng.org
www.mpac-ng.org