The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the rollout of its contactless passport application system in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
The launch is set for Friday, February 7, 2025, and aims to simplify passport application and renewal processes for Nigerians in the diaspora.
“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,” said NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
The NIS spokesperson, AS Akinlabi, highlighted the success of a similar rollout in Canada on November 5, 2024. “For emphasis, the Contactless Passport Application which is currently available on Google Play Store (NIS mobile), is designed to allow Nigerians to renew their passports without visiting any Passport Centre for biometric enrollment,” Akinlabi stated.
The initiative has been praised for its potential to streamline travel document management for Nigerians abroad. “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,” Dabiri-Erewa remarked.
She further assured of NiDCOM’s full support for the initiative. “NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor, and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative.”