The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the launch of its contactless passport application system in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
The rollout is scheduled for Friday, 7th February 2025, and aims to simplify passport applications and renewals for Nigerians living abroad.
“This initiative, set for launch on 7th 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 Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Abuja.
NIS spokesperson, AS Akinlabi, highlighted the success of a similar rollout in Canada on 5th November 2024. “For emphasis, the Contactless Passport Application, currently available on the Google Play Store (NIS mobile), is designed to allow Nigerians to renew their passports without visiting a Passport Centre for biometric enrolment,” Mr 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,” Ms Dabiri-Erewa remarked.
She 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.”
