The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially launched its contactless passport application system in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland as part of ongoing reforms introduced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NIS spokesperson AS Akinlabi announced that the new system, which goes live on February 7, 2025, will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online without visiting physical passport centers.
During a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja, NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance service efficiency for Nigerians abroad.
The NIS noted that this rollout follows the successful introduction of the contactless passport application system in Canada on November 5, 2024.
“The contactless passport application, available on the Google Play Store (NIS Mobile), allows Nigerians to renew their passports without the need for biometric enrollment at a passport center,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to innovation and efficiency, the NIS stated that the initiative represents a major step forward in streamlining travel document processing for Nigerians globally.
Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative development for Nigerians in the diaspora.
“This launch marks a significant advancement in secure and convenient passport management for our citizens abroad,” she said. “NiDCOM remains committed to supporting and collaborating with the NIS to ensure its success.”