By Mercy Peter
Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Tuesday disclosed that the service will on Friday launch a contactless passport application solution in Europe.
NIS boss who made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, also said the UK will serve as the coordinating centre.
“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,” she stated.
Nandap stressed 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 a passport.
She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports.
She said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.
Nandap also 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.
The Comptroller General said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, 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.
She added that passport front offices will soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.
Responding, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), 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.
