Passport (1) (1).jpg
Nigerians in Europe, the UK, and Ireland can now renew passports from home as Nigeria launches a contactless application system. Spearheaded by Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, this initiative enhances efficiency, security, and convenience, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The process eliminates embassy visits, streamlining passport renewal for the diaspora.

Nigerians living in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland can now renew their passports from the comfort of their homes as the federal government rolls out a contactless passport application system. This innovative service, which eliminates the need for embassy visits for biometric enrollment, officially launched today, February 7, 2025.

The initiative follows a successful implementation in Canada in November 2024 and is spearheaded by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing technology-driven governance and improved service delivery. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) described the move as a significant step toward efficiency, security, and convenience in passport processing.

Under this system, eligible Nigerians can complete their applications online without in-person verification. However, the service applies only to standard passports with less than a year of validity and requires applicants to have previously undergone biometric data capture. Special cases, such as lost passports or data changes, still require physical processing.

By leveraging advanced technology, the contactless process ensures secure data handling, faster verification, and seamless processing, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Payments for applications must be made within a year of renewal eligibility.

With this rollout, the Nigerian government aims to enhance accessibility for its diaspora, ensuring a smoother and more efficient passport renewal experience. As the service expands, stakeholders anticipate further improvements in Nigeria’s immigration system.