The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the introduction of a contactless passport renewal system for Nigerians living abroad, with the United Kingdom serving as the central hub for Europe.
The initiative, set to launch on February 7, will enable Nigerians in the diaspora to renew their passports online without the need for physical visits to immigration offices.
Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, disclosed this development during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. According to a statement by NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the system aims to streamline the renewal process, reducing both time and travel expenses for Nigerians abroad.
Nandap clarified that the initiative applies strictly to passport renewals and does not cover first-time applicants or minors. She also noted that Nigerians residing overseas could begin the renewal process up to a year before their passports expire. She commended NiDCOM for its efforts in raising awareness about programs that benefit Nigerians in the diaspora.
She further revealed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved the establishment of a new passport processing facility in New York to address application backlogs, with plans to open additional centers in the United States and other countries.
Dabiri-Erewa hailed the initiative as a major step toward more efficient and secure passport processing for Nigerians abroad. She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting and monitoring its implementation, emphasizing that the system will improve the convenience and security of travel document management.
The contactless passport renewal system was first introduced in Canada, where it received positive feedback from Nigerian applicants.