National news
NIS Launches Contactless Passport Renewal System for Diaspora
- Nandap highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive to improve passport processing for Nigerians overseas. She revealed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved a new passport processing facility in New York to address backlogs, with plans to open additional offices in the US and other countries.
- The contactless passport application system was first introduced in Canada where it received positive feedback from Nigerians. Its expansion to Europe is expected to further ease passport renewal challenges for the Nigerian diaspora.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is preparing to introduce a contactless passport application system in Europe, with the United Kingdom acting as the coordinating hub.
Eko Hot Blog reports that starting from February 7, 2025, Nigerians in the diaspora will have the opportunity to renew their passports online without the need for physical office visits.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Why First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Visited Babangida
- Trump Signs Executive Order to Withdraw U.S. from UN Bodies
- Trump Moves to Dismantle U.S. Education Department
Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, made this announcement during a recent visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Abuja.
In a statement signed by NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Nandap explained that this initiative aims to simplify the passport renewal process, enabling Nigerians living abroad to save time and money by avoiding unnecessary travel.
Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap
As clarified by Nandap, this new contactless system is only applicable to passport renewals and does not cover first-time applicants or minors.
Nigerians residing overseas will be able to begin the renewal process up to a year before their passport expires, ensuring a more convenient and streamlined experience for those needing to update their travel documents.
“This initiative set for launch on 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 was quoted as saying.
She also commended NiDCOM for raising awareness about programs that benefit Nigerians living abroad.
Nandap highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive to improve passport processing for Nigerians overseas. She revealed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved a new passport processing facility in New York to address backlogs, with plans to open additional offices in the US and other countries.
Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step toward efficient and secure passport processing for Nigerians abroad.
FURTHER READING
- Australia Bans DeepSeek from Government Devices Over Security Concerns
- Explosion Rocks MRS Filling Station Near International Airport
- Ronaldo Declares Himself Best Player in Football History
The contactless passport application system was first introduced in Canada where it received positive feedback from Nigerians. Its expansion to Europe is expected to further ease passport renewal challenges for the Nigerian diaspora.
Click here to watch video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at ekohotblog@gmail.com. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
