London to Serve as Coordinating Hub for February 7 Rollout
Abuja, Feb. 4, 2025 – The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is set to launch its contactless passport renewal solution in Europe, with the United Kingdom serving as the coordinating center. This groundbreaking initiative, which goes live on February 7, 2025, will enable Nigerians in the diaspora to renew their passports online without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
“This initiative is a game-changer for Nigerians abroad. It will simplify the passport renewal process, save time, and eliminate the cost and stress of traveling for passport applications,” Nandap stated. She clarified that the service is exclusively for passport renewals and does not apply to fresh applicants or minors. Nigerians abroad can begin the renewal process one year before their passport’s expiration date.
She commended NiDCOM for its unwavering support in creating awareness of NIS policies and initiatives that benefit Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Immigration Chief further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given clear directives to enhance services for Nigerians abroad. As part of this commitment, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved a new passport processing facility in New York to address backlog issues. Plans are also underway to open additional passport front offices across the United States and other countries.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa hailed the development, describing it as a milestone in diaspora engagement.
“The launch of the contactless passport renewal solution in Europe is a major step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians abroad. NiDCOM will continue to support and collaborate with NIS to ensure the success of this initiative,” she stated.
She also applauded the Minister of Interior and the NIS leadership for their innovations, noting that the contactless renewal service is already operational in Canada, where it has been well received by Nigerians.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s efforts to streamline passport services for its global diaspora community.
