The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to roll out its contactless passport application system across Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland on Friday, February 7, 2025.
A statement released on Wednesday by NIS spokesperson AS Akinlabi highlighted that the initiative aims to provide Nigerians in the diaspora with a seamless and convenient way to apply for or renew their passports online without visiting passport centers.
“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,” NIS Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap said during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Akinlabi further noted that the upcoming launch follows the successful deployment of the system in Canada on November 5, 2024.
“For emphasis, the Contactless Passport Application which is currently available on Google Play Store (NIS mobile), is designed to allow Nigerians to renew their passports without visiting any Passport Centre for biometric enrollment,” the statement read.
The NIS reiterated its dedication to leveraging technology for efficient service delivery to Nigerians worldwide.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa hailed the development as a groundbreaking move for diaspora services.
“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,” she said. “NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor, and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative.”
The NIS encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the new system and commended NiDCOM for its continuous support.