The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the launch of its contactless passport application system in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, set to roll out on Friday, February 7, 2025.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the NIS spokesman, AS Akinlabi, this new initiative will allow Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online, providing the convenience of doing so from their homes.
NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, explained the initiative during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
“This initiative set for launch on the 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes,” Nandap said.
Akinlabi further noted that the rollout follows the successful launch of the contactless passport application system in Canada on November 5, 2024.
“For emphasis, the Contactless Passport Application, which is currently available on the Google Play Store (NIS mobile), is designed to allow Nigerians to renew their passports without visiting any passport center for biometric enrollment,” the NIS spokesperson added.
The NIS also reaffirmed its commitment to providing innovative and efficient service delivery to Nigerians globally, stating, “The Service reiterates its commitment to innovative and efficient service delivery to Nigerians anywhere in the world.”
Commenting on the significance of the launch, NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa said, “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.”
Dabiri-Erewa also pledged NiDCOM’s continued support, saying, “NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor, and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative.”
