By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DIFFICULTIES IN renewing passports have long been a concern for Nigerians abroad, with many facing long queues and extensive travel to embassies.
In response, the Nigerian government has now introduced a Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, allowing citizens to renew their passports entirely online.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the initiative on Friday, stating that the system aims to eliminate the traditional hurdles associated with passport renewals.
He explained that eligible Nigerians can now complete the entire process digitally without visiting an embassy or consulate.
“This marks a significant improvement in national service delivery under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.”
Following its successful implementation in Canada, we are rolling out the Contactless Passport Renewal System in Europe to enhance efficiency and accessibility for our citizens abroad,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
According to the minister, the system removes barriers such as travel expenses and long waiting times by enabling direct access to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal.
He said Nigerians in Europe can now renew their passports from home using a mobile app, reducing the strain on physical passport offices.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has also confirmed that the system is designed for renewals only and does not apply to new applicants or minors.
Biometric enrolment is not required, as existing biometric data will be used. The first phase of the rollout covers the United Kingdom and Ireland, with plans for expansion to other European countries.
The NIS website describes the initiative as a major step towards modernising passport services.
“This streamlined system allows applicants to submit passport applications digitally, eliminating the need for physical interactions. Leveraging advanced technologies, the contactless process ensures secure data handling, quick verification, and smooth processing,” the agency stated.
To access the service, the government says Nigerians in Europe must download the NIS Mobile app from the Google Play Store.
The application guides users through the renewal process, requiring accurate details matching their current passport.
Payments are also made online, further simplifying the experience.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making official processes more efficient.
He said: “The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in our national development. It is our duty to ensure they have access to professional and transparent services. This is just the beginning—our administration will continue expanding these reforms to bring government services closer to all Nigerians, wherever they reside.”
He added that the launch aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises digital innovation and improved public service delivery, stating that by allowing contactless renewals, the government aims to provide a faster, more accessible process while maintaining security standards.
