In a major stride towards enhancing passport services for Nigerians abroad, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to launch a contactless passport renewal solution for Nigerians in Europe. The initiative, with the United Kingdom serving as the coordinating centre, will officially take off on February 7, 2025.
The Comptroller General of NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, announced this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
“This innovative system will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to renew their passports seamlessly from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for unnecessary travel and reducing processing time,” Nandap stated.
She clarified that the initiative applied only to passport renewals and not available for fresh applicants or minors. Nigerians living abroad will now be able to start the renewal process up to a year before their passport’s expiration.
Nandap commended NiDCOM for its role in advocating for the needs of Nigerians in the diaspora and raising awareness about NIS programs. She emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a clear directive to make life easier for Nigerians abroad, with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, spearheading reforms to improve passport processing.
As part of these efforts, the Minister has also approved a new passport processing facility in New York to address backlogs and improve services for Nigerians in the United States. Plans are underway to establish additional passport front offices across the U.S. and other countries.
NiDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the initiative, noted that it aligned with the Commission’s commitment to facilitating better engagement and services for the Nigerian diaspora.
“The launch of the contactless passport renewal in Europe is a game-changer. It will provide a faster, more efficient, and secure process for obtaining travel documents. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor, and collaborate with the NIS to ensure its success,” she said.
She also praised the Interior Minister and NIS leadership for their innovative reforms, noting that the contactless passport renewal system has already been successfully introduced in Canada, receiving positive feedback from Nigerians there.
