The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has successfully registered 8,552 Nigerians living abroad through its passport intervention programs. These programs were conducted in the United States, Canada, Qatar, and the United Kingdom, with the aim of enhancing passport services for Nigerians overseas. The exercises were carried out under the guidance of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and in collaboration with Nigerian embassies and community representatives in the respective countries.
In the United States, the program was held in cities including Chicago, Michigan, and Milwaukee, where 535 applicants registered between September 7 and 15, 2026. The NIS Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinlabi Akinlabi, disclosed this information, highlighting the Service's efforts to make passport services more accessible to Nigerians abroad. The programs were designed to ensure a smooth delivery process, with the help of local representatives.
Canada also hosted the passport intervention program, with 2,257 Nigerians registering across various cities, including Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta, and New Brunswick, from September 6 to 19, 2026. The exercises were well-received, with applicants taking advantage of the opportunity to access passport services. The NIS worked closely with local authorities to ensure the success of the programs.
In Qatar, the program took place from August 9 to 24, 2026, resulting in 751 registrations. The NIS expressed satisfaction with the turnout, citing the importance of providing responsive and easy-to-access passport services for Nigerians living abroad. The Service emphasized its commitment to delivering efficient services to the diaspora community.
The United Kingdom is still hosting the passport intervention program, with 5,099 applicants already enrolled in London and Manchester. The NIS has been producing and sending passports simultaneously to ensure that applicants receive their documents promptly. This approach has been well-received, with many applicants appreciating the streamlined process.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has reiterated its dedication to providing timely and efficient service delivery to Nigerians living abroad. The Service has been working to enhance its passport services, with a focus on making them more accessible and convenient. The passport intervention programs are part of these efforts, aimed at ensuring that Nigerians abroad can access essential services with ease.
The successful enrollment of 8,552 Nigerians in the diaspora passport intervention exercises demonstrates the NIS's commitment to serving the diaspora community. The Service will continue to work towards providing responsive and efficient services, with a focus on meeting the needs of Nigerians living abroad. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has been supportive of these efforts, emphasizing the importance of enhancing services for the diaspora community.
Key points
- The Nigeria Immigration Service has registered 8,552 Nigerians living abroad through passport intervention programs in the US, Canada, Qatar, and the UK.
- The programs aimed to enhance passport services for Nigerians overseas and were conducted under the guidance of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
- The NIS will continue to work towards providing responsive and efficient services to Nigerians living abroad.
