The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is poised to revolutionize the passport renewal process for Nigerians in the diaspora with the launch of a contactless passport application solution across Europe. The initiative, set to commence on February 7, 2025, will be coordinated from the United Kingdom, marking a significant leap forward in travel document management.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Comptroller General of the NIS, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. According to Nandap, this move aims to simplify the often cumbersome process of passport renewal for Nigerians living abroad, allowing them to manage their documents from the comfort of their homes without the need for physical visits to embassy or consulate offices.
“This initiative set for launch on the 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online,” Nandap stated. She emphasized that the system is specifically designed for passport renewals and does not include first-time applicants or minors at this stage.
The contactless passport application system has already seen success in Canada, where it was first introduced, garnering positive feedback from the Nigerian community there. The expansion to Europe follows the successful implementation in North America, with plans to further extend the service to other continents in the coming months.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been instrumental in pushing for these reforms. His vision includes not only enhancing the efficiency of passport issuance but also ensuring that the process aligns with global best practices while maintaining high standards of security. “Our goal remains to transform our systems and methods to set the pace for other nations to follow without compromising national security,” Tunji-Ojo remarked in a previous statement.
NiDCOM has praised the initiative as a game-changer for service delivery to Nigerians abroad. “The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora,” said Dabiri-Erewa. She highlighted NiDCOM’s role in facilitating awareness and support for such programs that directly benefit Nigerians living outside the country.
The new system will be managed through an app named “NIS Mobile,” available on various platforms like Google Play, the App Store, and the Windows Store, or via the web portal at www.passport.immigration.gov.ng. Users will need to input their National Identification Number (NIN) and current passport number for verification, submit their biodata, and upload the necessary documents.
The launch in Europe is part of a broader strategy by the NIS to address long-standing issues like long queues, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and corruption in the passport acquisition and renewal process. Plans are also underway to open more passport front offices in other parts of the U.S. and across various countries to further alleviate these challenges.
As the NIS gears up for this significant launch, the focus remains on ensuring a seamless transition to digital solutions that will benefit millions of Nigerians living abroad, making passport renewals more accessible and less time-consuming.