The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has successfully enrolled 8,552 Nigerians in its passport intervention exercises conducted in the United States, Canada, Qatar, and the United Kingdom. This initiative was undertaken in line with the directive of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to improve passport service delivery to Nigerians in the diaspora. The exercises aimed to bring passport services closer to Nigerians living abroad.
The interventions were conducted in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions and representatives of Nigerian communities in the affected countries. According to the NIS, the exercises in the United States took place in Chicago, Michigan, and Milwaukee between September 7 and 15, 2026, with 535 Nigerians enrolled. This was part of a broader effort to enhance passport services for Nigerians abroad.
In Canada, the NIS enrolled 2,257 Nigerians in exercises held in Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta, and New Brunswick between September 6 and 19. The exercises in Qatar, which took place between August 9 and 24, saw 751 Nigerians enrolled. These numbers reflect the ongoing efforts of the NIS to provide accessible passport services.
The United Kingdom recorded the highest number of enrolments, with 5,099 Nigerians registered in London and Manchester during the ongoing exercise. The NIS noted that the registration was still ongoing in the UK, with passport production and dispatch being carried out concurrently. This allows for efficient processing and delivery of passports.
The NIS encouraged applicants who were unable to secure appointment slots during the exercise, as well as those who may prefer not to physically visit the centres or the High Commission, to utilise the Contactless Passport Application System. This system aims to provide a seamless and efficient application process for Nigerians abroad.
The Service reiterated its commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and timely passport services to Nigerians living outside the country. The NIS has been working to enhance its services, including the introduction of new technologies and systems to improve the application and processing of passports.
The Nigeria Immigration Service's efforts to improve passport services for Nigerians abroad have been ongoing, with a focus on enhancing the overall experience for applicants. The enrolment exercises are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigerians in the diaspora have access to efficient and reliable passport services.
Key points
- 8,552 Nigerians enrolled in overseas passport intervention exercises
- Exercises conducted in US, Canada, Qatar, and UK
- NIS aims to improve passport service delivery to Nigerians in the diaspora
