In a recent policy shift aimed at boosting revenue, some of the Local Government Councils in Edo State have introduced a one-year validity for the Local Government Certificate of Origin, previously issued as a lifetime document.
According to sources, the change was implemented quietly and affects all new applications for the certificate, officially known as the “Letter of Identification from Local Government.” The document is a key requirement for obtaining an international passport and serves as proof of origin, typically tied to an applicant’s paternal local government area.
Traditionally, the certificate was valid indefinitely, allowing holders to use it throughout their lifetime without the need for renewal. However, under the new policy, recipients will need to reapply annually, a move that observers believe is designed to increase internally generated revenue for the local government.
To obtain the certificate, applicants must visit the secretariat of the local government area linked to their parents’ origin. Alternatively, applications may be processed through liaison offices in urban centers. The process involves submitting two recent passport photographs, completing a personal information form, and making payment through a designated local government account—although some locations still accept cash.
Once payment is confirmed, the certificate is printed, signed, and issued. With the new expiry date in effect, residents are advised to check the status of their existing certificates and plan for annual renewals to avoid disruptions in official documentation processes.
