The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that a system has now been put in place for Nigerians abroad to renew their passports without returning to the country, News About Nigeria reports.
The NIS noted that it is a contactless passport renewal system that is set to begin in Canada on November 1, 2024.
Giving details on the development, the NIS explained that this new system allows Nigerians to renew their passports online, greatly reducing the need for in-person visits to NIS offices.
The announcement was made in a statement shared on the NIS official X account on Wednesday.
The NIS further noted that following the rollout in Canada, the service will expand to the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy on November 15, and by December 1, it will be available in Nigeria and other global locations.
The statement partly reads, “In its continued effort to serve the Nigerian public more efficiently and create a functional system that meets global standards, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a new contactless and issuance process starting from November 1st, 2024. Individuals will be able to apply to renew their international passports from the comfort of their homes without having to visit any NIS office.
“All you need to know about our new, about to be launched Contactless Passport Application System.
Phase 1: Canada – Nov. 1
Phase 2: UK, USA, Italy – Nov. 15
Phase 3: Nigeria & the rest of the world – Dec. 1. Process is applicable to only passport renewal.”
According to the NIS, the phased rollout is designed to enhance accessibility for Nigerians worldwide, allowing citizens to renew passports seamlessly from any location without visiting NIS offices.
The agency further noted that Nigerians will be able to renew their passports by downloading the NIS mobile app available on Google Play, the App Store, and the Windows Store or by visiting its portal.
