The United Kingdom will operate as the coordinating hub for the Nigerian Immigration Service’s planned contactless passport application system rollout in Europe.
On February 7, the idea will be unveiled, enabling Nigerians living abroad to renew their passports online without going to physical offices.
During a courtesy call on Tuesday in Abuja to meet with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nandap made the news.
In a statement signed by NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Nandap clarified that the initiative’s goal is to make it easier for Nigerians living overseas to renew their passports, saving them time and money on their travel expenses.
Nandap emphasized that Nigerians residing overseas can start the passport renewal process up to a year prior to the expiration of their passport.
“This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes,” she said.
Adding that the system is only for passport renewals and does not apply to first-time applicants or minors.
She gave NiDCOM credit for raising awareness of initiatives that help Nigerians living abroad.
The Comptroller General also emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s order to facilitate Nigerians’ overseas passport applications.
She disclosed that in order to alleviate backlogs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of the Interior, has authorized the opening of a new passport processing facility in New York.
Plans are also underway to open additional offices in the United States and other nations. The development was applauded by Dabiri-Erewa, who called it a major step toward more secure and quick passport processing for Nigerians abroad. She underlined NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting and monitoring the effort.
The contactless passport application system was first introduced in Canada, where it received positive feedback from Nigerians.