The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to implement contactless passport renewal starting March 8, 2024.
The Comptroller General of the NIS, Wura-Ola Adepoju, shared this information during a press briefing, highlighting the convenience and efficiency this new system would bring to Nigerian passport holders.
Adepoju emphasized that the initiative aims to streamline the passport renewal process, allowing applicants to complete the entire procedure without the need for physical interaction. Starting March 8, individuals seeking passport renewal can submit their applications online, utilizing the biometric data already stored in the NIS database.
“For people who have the Nigerian passports, we have their data, we have their biometrics. So, from the comfort of their homes, they can apply for renewal or re-issue of their passports and deploy their biometrics like fingerprints. We will then compare this information with what we have in our database. If everything matches, we will issue them the passports they applied for,” Adepoju explained.
This move is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required for passport renewal, providing a more convenient and efficient process for Nigerian citizens. Adepoju also highlighted the security aspect of the automated system, assuring the public that the objective is to enhance national security and not to displace immigration officials from their jobs.
The Comptroller General assured that the implementation of contactless passport renewal does not mean job losses for immigration officials. Instead, it is aimed at making the entire process seamless while ensuring the comfort of applicants.
NIS spokesperson, Kemi Nandap, shared that the Service had received over 46,000 applications since January 8, 2024, when the automation of the passport application process was initiated. The two-week timeframe mentioned by Adepoju for the production of green passports from the points of application is expected to further expedite the issuance of passports to applicants.
Additionally, Adepoju mentioned that there is provision for change of data on the portal for passport application, providing flexibility for individuals who need to update their information.
