The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, hence, the service set to launch the contactless passport application solution in Europe, with UK serving as the coordinating centre on February 7.
According to a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NiDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Nandap revealed this when the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission at NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, paid her a courtesy visit in her office, saying the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.
Nandap added that passport front offices would soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries saying, “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 reiterated that the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.
According to her, the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports, adding that Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.
Nandap commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.
“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. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she added.
She commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, noting that the contactless application has since taken off in Canada with commendations from Nigerians in Canada.
