In a move set to revolutionize the passport application process, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a contactless passport application system for Nigerians living in Europe. The system is aimed at easing the burden of passport acquisition and renewal for Nigerian citizens residing in European countries.
The NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, confirmed the development and revealed that the contactless system would be launched on February 7, 2025. The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland will be the first European countries to benefit from this new service.
This initiative is part of the NIS’s ongoing efforts to improve the passport application process for Nigerians abroad, making it more convenient and efficient. Prior to the rollout in Europe, the service had successfully launched the contactless system in Canada on November 5, 2024, marking the first phase of the project.
The contactless passport application system allows Nigerians to apply for passport renewals without having to visit any passport centers for biometric enrollment. The system is available for download on the Google Play store through the NIS mobile app, making it easily accessible for Nigerians living abroad.
According to Nandap, the launch of the system in Europe is part of the NIS’s continued commitment to delivering innovative and efficient services to Nigerians, regardless of where they live. “The contactless passport application is designed to make it easier for Nigerians to renew their passports from the comfort of their homes, without the need for in-person visits,” she said.
For many Nigerians living abroad, the passport application process has often been a cumbersome task, involving long waits, travel to distant passport centers, and the need for biometric enrollment. The introduction of the contactless system is expected to alleviate these challenges by providing a more convenient and streamlined method for passport renewals.
This new system is especially significant for Nigerians in Europe, where passport centers can be few and far between, making it difficult for many to access services. The ability to apply for a passport renewal remotely is a game-changer for many Nigerians in the diaspora who have had to deal with the challenges of renewing their passports while living abroad.
The NIS’s efforts to improve passport services are part of a broader initiative to modernize the country’s immigration processes. The introduction of the contactless passport system follows a series of other innovations aimed at improving efficiency and reducing bureaucratic delays in passport and visa applications. These innovations are expected to not only ease the burden on Nigerians but also improve the overall experience for those seeking immigration services.
Nandap also assured Nigerians in the UK, Ireland, and other European countries that the NIS is committed to ensuring that the contactless system is available and functional for everyone who needs it. “We are dedicated to making sure that Nigerians living abroad have access to the best possible service when it comes to passport applications,” she said.
The NIS’s mobile app, which hosts the contactless passport application system, can be downloaded on Android devices through the Google Play Store. The app has been designed to be user-friendly, allowing Nigerians to complete their passport renewals with just a few taps on their phones. The system allows for biometric data to be submitted digitally, removing the need for applicants to visit physical passport centers.
Since its launch in Canada, the contactless system has received positive feedback from Nigerians who have used it to renew their passports. Many have praised the service for its convenience and ease of use, noting that it saves time and eliminates the need for long-distance travel to passport centers.
With the expansion into Europe, the NIS is hopeful that the system will have the same positive impact, helping to reduce the stress and inconvenience associated with passport renewal for Nigerians living in these regions. The rollout is expected to continue expanding to other countries in the diaspora in the coming months.
The introduction of this contactless system is also a response to the growing demand for better services for Nigerians abroad. With an increasing number of Nigerians living in countries outside of Africa, particularly in Europe and North America, there has been a rising call for more efficient and accessible immigration services. The NIS has listened to these concerns and is taking steps to meet the needs of Nigerians worldwide.
As part of the ongoing efforts to modernize the immigration system, the NIS has also been working to improve the quality of its passport materials and the security features of its documents. This includes the introduction of a new, more durable passport design and the incorporation of advanced security features to prevent fraud and counterfeiting.
Nandap emphasized that the NIS is fully committed to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of where they live, have access to modern, efficient, and secure passport services. “We are continually working to improve our systems and services, and we are proud to be able to offer this new contactless passport application system to Nigerians in Europe,” she said.
The NIS’s contactless passport application system is a significant step forward in the effort to improve the convenience and accessibility of immigration services for Nigerians in the diaspora. It is expected to be a valuable tool for Nigerians in Europe who need to renew their passports, providing a faster and more convenient way to complete the process.
As the system continues to roll out to other countries, it is hoped that this initiative will become a model for other countries seeking to modernize their immigration systems and improve the service delivery to their citizens abroad.
