The Nigeria Immigration Service has introduced a new feature to its passport tracking system to notify applicants when their passports are ready for collection.
The Service said the addition, tagged “passport produced,” is designed to enhance the existing tracking platform by providing clear information on passports that are ready for physical pickup or awaiting courier delivery.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the NIS said the update would help applicants stay informed about processing timelines and improve overall efficiency.
“The new addition, tagged ‘PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION),’ includes a feature informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection. This update enhances the existing tracking system and helps applicants stay informed about timelines for passports produced and awaiting collection (for physical collection) or produced but not delivered (for courier delivery),” the Service stated.
The NIS added that it remains committed to delivering an efficient passport administration system in line with global best practices.
The development follows public complaints over delays in passport processing, including a recent post by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who shared his experience of waiting several months for the renewal of his international passport.
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Soyombo said he applied for passport renewal on July 31, 2025, and paid ₦109,700 via the NIS payment portal but continued to receive “passport pending production” as feedback due to what he described as network challenges.
In response, the Immigration Service clarified that the passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery, noting that issues such as incomplete applications, security checks or technical challenges could occasionally result in delays in status updates.
The Service also disclosed that more than 1.3 million passports were produced in 2025 alone, adding that Nigeria’s passport has recently improved its ranking on the Henley Passport Index.