Nigeria Immigration Service to Launches Online Passport Renewal System for European Diaspora

The new system will enable eligible Nigerian citizens in the diaspora to complete their passport renewal applications entirely online, eliminating the need to visit physical immigration offices. The service will initially be available to Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with plans for expansion to other regions.

According to NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap, the system is designed specifically for passport renewals and allows applications up to one year before expiration. First-time applicants and minors will still need to follow existing procedures requiring in-person visits.

The initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader digital transformation efforts, which include the World Bank-supported Digital Identity for Development (ID4D) project. The contactless system will utilize digital biometric capture technology, enabling applicants to submit their biometric data through their smartphones or computer webcams.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), endorsed the initiative, highlighting its potential to streamline travel document management for the Nigerian diaspora community. The system aims to reduce costs and processing times while maintaining security standards.

The NIS has indicated plans to expand the service to additional countries, including the United States, as part of the government’s commitment to improving services for Nigerians abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.