Nigerian Immigration to launch contactless passport solution in Europe on February 7
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is set to introduce a contactless passport application solution in Europe, with the United Kingdom as the primary hub. The new service, which will launch on February 7, aims to streamline the passport renewal process for Nigerians living abroad. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to improve efficiency for the Nigerian diaspora, utilizing digital technology to simplify the application process and reduce the need for in-person visits to embassies.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller General of NIS, during a courtesy visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). The initiative will allow Nigerians in Europe to renew their passports online, bypassing the traditional process that involves traveling to a Nigerian consulate. Nandap emphasized that this service is designed for passport renewals only, not new applications or minors, and can be accessed up to one year before a passport’s expiration date.
Nandap also highlighted the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the NIS’s efforts to enhance service delivery for Nigerians abroad. She mentioned that a passport processing facility would be established in New York to address the backlog of applications and improve the renewal experience for Nigerians in the United States. The NIS also plans to expand passport front offices in the US and other countries to further enhance accessibility.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised the new initiative, noting that it aligns with NiDCOM’s mission to facilitate better engagement and support for the diaspora. She reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to collaborating with the NIS to ensure the success of the contactless solution. The new service follows the successful launch of the contactless application system in Canada on November 1, 2024, which received positive feedback from Nigerians in the country.
The NIS’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve the Nigerian passport renewal experience for the diaspora and reduce the costs and time required for obtaining travel documents. The service is expected to continue growing in popularity as more Nigerians abroad adopt the digital solution for passport renewals.
Source: Nairametrics