The Ministry of Interior has officially initiated the nationwide and diaspora-wide full automation of passport applications, aiming to enhance efficiency and convenience for Nigerian citizens.
This move follows the earlier assurance by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, that the automated system, once fully operational, would be digitally inclusive, streamlining the passport application process.
The ministry has outlined five simple steps for Nigerians to apply for passports through the newly launched automated system.
To access the immigration portal, new applicants must meet specific criteria, including being Nigerian, possessing the National Identification Number (NIN), providing a passport photograph that meets International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, and submitting supporting documents such as the birth certificate and local government certificate of indigeneship.
For renewal purposes, applicants must provide their old passport number in addition to the aforementioned criteria. The five-step process includes:
- Accessing the Online Portal: Visit passport.immigration.gov.ng and enter your NIN to automatically populate your data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
- Completing Data Sections: Fill in additional data sections, including the applicant’s date of birth.
- Uploading Documents: Upload your passport photo and other required documents.
- Biometrics: Select the nearest immigration office for biometric capture, and a recommended date for center availability will be provided.
- Visit Immigration Office: Visit the selected immigration office for biometric capture.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that this automated system is designed to make the passport application process more accessible and efficient for Nigerians. In October 2023, he had already announced plans for passport delivery to homes and offices of applicants by February 2024, further enhancing the convenience of the application process.
“We have commenced the automation of our end-to-end passport application process, and we have given a timeline from which Nigerians will begin to experience the sweet experience,” Tunji-Ojo stated during the launch.
“By implication, Nigerians will not need to wait longer than two weeks before they get their passport.”
He added, “By January next year, Nigerians will be able to complete this application process online, and by February next year, with collaboration and partnership with other relevant stakeholders, Nigerians will have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, and other locations of their choice.”
