₦airaland Forum

eepeepook:
All these AI write-ups literally are the death of this forum. It’s already reached the point where users argue using bots to highlight points.

Hey bro. This is my writing. I didn't use AI. If you want the rough draft I can give it to you. Just because someone knows how to write and atleast give out pointers doesn't mean I used AI. Stop spreading hate on what's not there. I spent hours writing this and I do not need someone to claim AI on my work.

If you do not like it, please leave it.

Nigeria is tiring, honestly. So alright, let me get to the main gist. I applied for an international hackathon that covers the cost of visas, accommodation, travel, etc. Up till now, I’m still waiting for the nominations to be released.

For some backstory: I’m not wealthy, just from a slightly less-than-middle-class family. I’m the middle child, often overlooked and I want to make a name for myself so my dreams won’t be shattered, by God’s grace.

I applied for the hackathon on January 19th. I was clueless about the passport process, so I researched. My dad said he’d help me, but I didn't hear from him till I took matters into my own hands on February 12, 2026. I researched the DIY method because that is what I know how to do best. I filled the application online and it was seamless.

When it came to the payment part, that was when my inexperience caught up with me. I told my dad the exact amount I saw (100,000), and I am grateful he sent 105,000 because the stupid hidden fees made it ₦104,001.

Fast forward to a Wednesday. I woke up at 4 AM to pay. I’m using OPay because I don’t have a regular bank account for now, and I opted for Payfixy bank deposit (the most stupid thing to ever do). I paid 104,100 because I was afraid of other fees. My heart was in my chest. The transaction failed AND THEY DEBITED THE MONEY! All that was in my mind was... "how will I tell my dad?" "I was so stupid," etc. I contacted customer support at 9 AM; they replied it had been refunded. I checked, it was there, and I almost cried.

So that Wednesday, I wanted to pay again using a card because I heard it was safer. And do you know what OPay did? They told me I’d exceeded my sending limit because of the previous failed transaction! That day was hectic. I had classes from 10–12, 2–4, and 4–6 (I’m offering 15 courses). I walked like a ghost. My laptop even broke because I was so absent-minded, though thank God it was fixed later that day. The next day at 2 AM, I tried again. It worked.

Later that Thursday, the application was rejected because my Certificate of Origin wasn’t readable. I got a call in the middle of class telling me to bring the physical cert for biometrics. I edited the scan to be clearer and re-uploaded it. It was vetted and approved that same day. I made my appointment for the 19th of February.

19th February came o.

Hmm.

I woke up in the morning by 6, I was having classes 8-10, 10-12. I then texted the class representative that I couldn’t make it that day and he should at least tell the lecturers. He agreed and I boarded a bike to the National immigration service. The bikeman took me to God knows where.

Omor the anger. The frustration. The confusion.

A helpful person came and told us the location for the office… which wasn’t even far. He dropped me off there and demanded I pay him more money. Mind you before I got on that bike, I asked him if he was sure he knew the place and the goat said yes. I asked more than three times.
Long story short I paid him extra (total fee was twice the amount to go from the office to my home.)

I went to the passport office and immediately, an officer came up to me.

Let me tell you about the officer. He was a plateau man, asked uncomfortable questions claiming he'd help only to waste my time and cause me more mess, so let's call him DD.

Honestly, the officers were uncomfortable. As another officer was verifying my documents, he started asking uncomfortable questions. He saw my dad as my next of kin but ignored that, noticed that I put my own phone number as contact and started reprimanding me that it was supposed to be my father or husband. He asked why I didn't have a husband and said I was "empty" (in the sense we both know). They all started laughing.

He criticized me for not speaking Hausa fluently even though I grew up there, said I am "too tall," etc. Mind you, I am 19. They saw my birth date as 2006 and were still saying rubbish. I was quiet because you never know when you’ll enter their bad side. It was annoying to say the least. THe other officer verified my documents and I was given a long ass lecture about nothing in particular. As I was done with the biometrics. I went to the office and they told me it would take 6 weeks.

DD said he would "help" me and collected my number. Yesterday, he gave me a missed call at night. I called him back this morning and he asked when I needed the passport. I said March. He said I should have applied for "Express" and that he "knows somebody." I’m putting this in plain terms because it gets worse. He said the Express fee is a "large sum" and he’d ask his person. Sometimes I feel like people take me for a fool. I told him thank you. I’m not paying for any Express until March 10th if I see no sign of it being produced. I’ll just play along with him for now. The Application portal already showed: Production Queue (Passport production is in progress).

I’m just grateful to God that the process was smooth otherwise.

Lessons Learnt:

1. Avoid Bank Deposits: When paying on the portal, use the "Card" option. "Bank Deposit" via Payfixy is risky and can lead to trapped funds.
2. DIY is Possible: You don't need a "connection" to start the process. The online portal works.
3. Stay Calm: Even when officers try to intimidate or mock you, keep your eye on the goal. Don't let them rattle you into paying unnecessary bribes.


My Steps:

1. Research the DIY process thoroughly before starting.
2. Fill the form online accurately.
3. Have a bit extra in your account for the ₦4,000+ "hidden" processing fees.
4. Capture your biometrics and ignore the "side talk."
5. Monitor the Tracker: My status changed to "Production Queue" within days of capture without paying any "Express" bribe.

Any tips on how to combat DD, or maybe what I'm thinking maybe different from reality??