The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has extended its contactless biometric passport application system to four additional countries across the Americas, continuing a major modernization push for digital services targeting Nigerians in the diaspora. The expansion, covering the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Brazil, enables Nigerian citizens in those countries to renew their passports entirely online, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates in person.
The new deployments follow the system’s initial launch in Canada in November 2024 and its subsequent rollout across several European nations in February 2025. The United States became the first country in the Americas to implement the system on April 11, 2025, followed by Jamaica, Mexico, and Brazil on April 14.
The service is powered by the “NIS Mobile” app, currently available on the Google Play Store, with an iOS version expected in the near future. Through the app, users can complete passport renewals by capturing biometric data, including live facial scans and fingerprint images, directly on their mobile devices. The system also integrates secure payment features, streamlining the entire process and removing the need for in-person biometric enrollment at passport centers.
NIS Public Relations Officer Akinsola Akinlabi highlighted the agency’s commitment to improving accessibility and innovation in government services. “The Service remains committed to innovative and efficient service delivery to Nigerians anywhere in the world,” he stated. Akinlabi also confirmed that an enhanced version of the NIS Mobile app is in development, with new features aimed at improving usability and expanding biometric verification capabilities.
The move reflects a broader global trend toward digital transformation in government identification systems. Governments around the world are increasingly adopting contactless verification technologies for identity and travel documentation, driven by public demand for speed, hygiene, and convenience. Examples include Armenia’s partnership with IDEMIA to implement a biometric ID system and various EU-wide efforts to modernize border control and identity management.
To ensure data security and user trust, NIS has incorporated advanced verification technologies such as liveness detection and automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) into the app. These safeguards are designed to prevent spoofing and identity fraud while maintaining compliance with international data protection standards. Although NIS has not disclosed detailed technical specifications, the agency has emphasized its adherence to global cybersecurity best practices.
For Nigerians living abroad, the system represents a major convenience. It significantly reduces processing times, removes the logistical and financial burdens of traveling to a passport center, and allows users to complete renewals from anywhere with internet access. According to NIS, this approach supports its strategic vision of improving service delivery and strengthening ties with diaspora communities.
As of this month, the contactless biometric passport renewal system is operational in North America, South America, Europe, and select parts of Asia. However, it has not yet been introduced in Australia or Nigeria itself. NIS has indicated that announcements for these regions are forthcoming, as the agency continues its phased global deployment.
—
April 14, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
