The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has enrolled 8,552 Nigerians in passport intervention exercises conducted in the United States, Canada, Qatar, and the United Kingdom. This initiative aims to address challenges confronting Nigerians seeking passport services abroad. The exercises were conducted in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions and community representatives.
The United Kingdom recorded the highest number of enrolments, with 5,099 Nigerians registered in London and Manchester. Canada accounted for 2,257 enrolments across Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta, and New Brunswick. The exercises followed a directive by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to improve passport service delivery and bring services closer to Nigerians in the diaspora.
In the United States, 535 Nigerians were enrolled during the exercise conducted in Chicago, Michigan, and Milwaukee between September 7 and 15, 2026. Qatar recorded 751 enrolments during the exercise conducted between August 9 and 24. The NIS said the UK exercise is still ongoing, with passport production and dispatch being carried out concurrently.
The NIS addressed the issue of applicants who were unable to secure appointment slots during the intervention exercises. Such applicants, as well as Nigerians who may prefer not to visit the designated centres or the Nigerian High Commission physically, can utilise the Contactless Passport Application System.
The latest intervention comes against the background of continuing efforts by the Federal Government to improve passport administration and reduce difficulties faced by Nigerians seeking to obtain or renew their international passports. Access to passport services can involve travelling considerable distances to diplomatic missions or designated enrolment centres.
The figures released by the Service indicate that the United Kingdom accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the total enrolments recorded in the four countries, followed by Canada, Qatar, and the United States. The NIS said the intervention exercises demonstrated its commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and timely passport services to Nigerians living outside the country.
The Service urged eligible applicants to take advantage of the available channels, including the Contactless Passport Application System, particularly where physical appointment slots are unavailable. Passport production and dispatch will continue alongside the ongoing enrolment exercise in the United Kingdom.
Key points
- The Nigeria Immigration Service enrolled 8,552 Nigerians in passport intervention exercises in four countries.
- The United Kingdom recorded the highest number of enrolments with 5,099 Nigerians registered.
- The NIS introduced the Contactless Passport Application System for applicants who cannot secure appointment slots.
