The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced an enhanced passport tracking system to address growing complaints from Nigerians frustrated by delays in passport issuance and collection. The update, announced on Thursday via the Service’s official X account, is aimed at giving applicants clearer information about the status of their passports.
According to the NIS, hundreds of passports have remained uncollected in various offices across the country, causing public dissatisfaction and raising questions about the efficiency of the Service. The new system introduces a specific status labeled “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”, which allows applicants to distinguish between passports still being processed and those already ready for collection or delivery.
“This update enhances the existing tracking system and helps applicants stay informed about timelines for passports produced and awaiting collection (for physical collection) or produced but not delivered (for courier delivery),” the Service said in a statement.
The update comes after weeks of criticism from passport applicants, including prominent Nigerians, who took to social media to voice their frustrations. Many reported delays of several months, with some claiming that bureaucratic bottlenecks were deliberately slowing the process.
On social media platform X, users expressed anger over long waiting times, citing issues with both standard and official passports. Some applicants reported having paid for expedited services but still facing delays, while others were uncertain about the actual status of their applications.
The NIS said that the introduction of the new status would help reduce uncertainty and provide clarity for applicants, ensuring that they can differentiate between genuine production delays and passports that are ready but yet to be retrieved.
Under the enhanced tracker, applicants will now see specific updates on the production and collection status of their passports. The system provides real-time information, indicating whether a passport is still being produced, ready for collection, or awaiting courier delivery.
Previously, applicants could only see broad status updates, such as “application received” or “in process,” which often led to confusion and frustration when passports were ready but not yet collected. The introduction of the “PRODUCED” status is intended to address these gaps and improve transparency.
A spokesperson for the NIS explained, “The new feature is designed to provide applicants with timely and accurate information, reducing the stress associated with waiting for passports. We have observed that many complaints were not due to production delays, but because applicants did not know their passports were ready for collection. This update addresses that issue.”
Passport delays have long been a source of public concern in Nigeria. The NIS handles millions of passport applications each year, and while the Service has improved production and delivery timelines over the past decade, issues persist.
The new tracker update is part of broader efforts by the NIS to improve customer service, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and enhance operational efficiency. It also aligns with the government’s push for digital solutions in public services.
Some Nigerians have welcomed the new update, expressing hope that it will reduce waiting times and ease frustrations. A frequent traveler from Lagos said, “Knowing exactly when my passport is ready for collection will save me a lot of time and worry. I hope the system works as promised.”
Others, however, remain skeptical, citing past experiences where new measures failed to address underlying delays. “We have seen updates before, but actual delivery still takes months. Let’s see if this one will really work,” one applicant commented.
The NIS has encouraged all passport applicants to regularly check the updated tracker to monitor the status of their passports. The Service has also urged Nigerians to report any irregularities or delays via official channels to ensure timely intervention.
The update is part of ongoing reforms within the NIS, which include improving digital infrastructure, streamlining passport production, and enhancing customer experience. Authorities say that the new feature is expected to reduce congestion at passport offices and improve transparency for applicants nationwide.
“With the new status indicator, applicants will no longer be left guessing whether their passports are ready or still in production. This will help us manage expectations and reduce complaints,” the NIS said.