The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a new digital passport renewal system aimed at making the process easier for Nigerians living abroad. Beginning on November 1, 2024, the service will be available in Canada, allowing citizens to renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes. “Individuals will be able to apply to renew their international passports without having to visit any NIS office,” the NIS shared in a statement. This innovation promises to reduce the need for in-person visits and improve convenience for the Nigerian diaspora.
The NIS plans to expand the digital renewal service to additional countries after the initial launch. By November 15, Nigerians in the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy will also be able to access this contactless renewal process.
The service will be available globally, including in Nigeria, by December 1. According to the NIS, this phased rollout is part of their effort to “enhance accessibility for Nigerians worldwide,” enabling citizens to renew passports seamlessly without needing to visit an NIS office in person.
This new system will be accessible via the NIS mobile app, which will soon be available on Google Playstore, App Store and the Windows Store. Alternatively, users can renew passports through the NIS’s online portal. While the app is expected to launch in Canada by November 1, NIS reassures Nigerians that it will soon be available across all platforms as the rollout progresses.
“Our goal is to serve the Nigerian public more efficiently and meet global standards,” the NIS stated in its announcement.
By adopting this digital approach, the NIS hopes to address common challenges for Nigerians abroad, such as long wait times and the need for travel to NIS offices.
