New Passport Policy for Nigerians in the Disapora
November 2023, the Nigerian Center, in collaboration with a coalition comprising 20 prominent Nigerian American community organizations, issued a collective call urging the Honorable Minister of Interior Dr. Olubumni Tunji-Ojo and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. to explore strategic partnerships with local Nigerian diaspora organizations to enhance consular services.
Following the letter, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission organized a groundbreaking Diaspora Lecture Series hosted by Honorable Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, the topic for the series “New Passport Policy/ Processes for Nigerians in Diaspora” with guest speaker the Honorable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presented a visionary roadmap for a new era in passport policies and processes specifically designed for Nigerians living in the diaspora. The event featured an enlightening address from Nigerian Immigration Services comptroller general Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju PCC, FSI.
The lecture series marked the first of its kind, focusing on the imperative need for a digital and contactless passport application process. The Honorable Minister shed light on the transformative procedures implemented to address long queues, unnecessary delays, and the physical exertion faced by the diaspora community. Leveraging technology, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) ensures that the new passport policy makes the process more accessible for Nigerians in the diaspora, with an international pilot fully automated system in Canada, South Africa, and Malaysia set to be in place by March 8th.
Key Highlights and Achievements:
Digital Transformation Journey: The Ministry of Interior embarked on a transformative journey, successfully clearing a staggering backlog of 200,000 applications within three weeks.
E-Gates at International Airports: The ministry spearheaded the installation of 16 e-gates at major international airports, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. This advancement ensures a seamless immigration process, eliminating the need for travelers to physically interact with immigration officers.
Contactless Passport Application: The introduction of a fully automated passport enrollment process allows applicants to upload their passport pictures within 5-10 minutes, completing the application without the need for physical interface.
West Coast Accessibility: The Minister is currently looking into using the building owned by Nigerian government in California for consulate services
Administrative Fee Waivers: To support students, the ministry is considering waiving administrative costs, and there is a commitment to reducing fees, streamlining charges, and preventing any form of exploitation of Nigerian citizens.
Expired Passport: Nigerians are allowed entry with expired passports, given they apply for a visa on arrival or through an embassy before trip
Pre-arrival information submission: it is mandatory for travelers to Nigeria to update their information on the immigration portal before arrival, ensuring a smooth entry process
Passport Intervention: A mobile enrollment unit has been introduced to capture data, reducing the tedious process of passport renewal. The ministry also addresses issues related to the National Identification Number (NIN) and discrepancies in personal information.
Extended Passport Renewal Period: The option to renew passports every 10 years, instead of the previous 5-year cycle, provides added convenience to Nigerians in the diaspora.
As the transformative passport policies and processes are set to go live on March 8th, this NIDCOM Diaspora Lecture Series serves as a testament to Nigeria's commitment to embracing technology and innovation for the benefit of its diaspora community. On August 2nd lecture series promises to provide further insights and updates on the ongoing initiatives.