Nigerian Immigration to launch contactless passport answer in Europe on February 7 

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is ready to launch a contactless passport software answer in Europe on February 7, with the UK serving because the coordinating centre.

This initiative leverages digital expertise to simplify and speed up the passport renewal course of for Nigerians within the diaspora.

In response to a press release by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NiDCOM), the Comptroller Normal of NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, introduced the event throughout a courtesy go to to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, on the Fee’s headquarters in Abuja.

“This initiative set for launch on the seventh of February 2025 will allow Nigerians within the Diaspora to use for and renew their passports on-line from the consolation of their properties,” she acknowledged.

Nandap emphasised that the answer is designed to streamline the passport renewal course of, saving time and prices related to travelling for passport functions.

Eligibility and Restrictions 

The Comptroller Normal clarified that the initiative is strictly for passport renewals and doesn’t apply to contemporary candidates or minors.

• She added that Nigerians residing overseas can begin the renewal course of a yr earlier than their passport’s expiration date.
• The Comptroller Normal counseled NiDCOM for its constant advocacy and consciousness campaigns concerning authorities insurance policies affecting Nigerians overseas.
• She additional famous that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the NIS a mandate to boost companies for Nigerians within the diaspora.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has within the meantime authorised a passport processing facility for New York to deal with the backlog and enhance the passport renewal expertise there,” she added.

• Moreover, Nandap revealed that passport entrance workplaces will quickly be established in different elements of the USA and different international locations to additional improve accessibility for Nigerians overseas.

NiDCOM backs the digital initiative. 

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the contactless passport software answer alignment with NiDCOM’s mission to facilitate and assist diaspora engagement.

“The launch of the contactless passport software answer in Europe is a big step in direction of environment friendly, safe, and handy journey doc administration for Nigerians within the diaspora. NiDCOM will proceed to assist, monitor, and collaborate with the NIS to make sure the success of this initiative,” she added.

She additionally counseled the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller Normal for his or her progressive approaches.

NIS first rolled out its contactless passport software system in Canada on November 1, 2024. Abike famous that it has obtained constructive suggestions from Nigerians there.