The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is set to launch a contactless passport renewal system in Europe, with the United Kingdom serving as the coordination hub.
The initiative, scheduled for February 7, 2025, aims to simplify passport renewal for Nigerians abroad, eliminating the need for physical visits to consulates.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, made this announcement on Tuesday, February 4, during a visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
She explained that the contactless system will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to ‘renew their passports online’ from their homes, reducing costs and time spent on processing.
However, the system will not be available for first-time applicants or minors.
Nigerians abroad will be eligible to renew their passports ‘one year before expiration’.
Nandap acknowledged NiDCOM’s role in advocating for diaspora-related policies and expressed gratitude for its support.
She also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed NIS to make life easier for Nigerians abroad, with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, already approving a passport processing facility in New York to address backlogs.
Plans are also in place to establish passport front offices in other parts of the United States and various countries.
Reacting to the announcement, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the initiative, stating that it aligns with NiDCOM’s mission to enhance engagement with the Nigerian diaspora.
“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. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she said.
She also praised the Interior Minister and the Comptroller General for their commitment to modernizing passport services, noting that the contactless system was successfully introduced in Canada, receiving positive feedback from Nigerians there.
