The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, is set to launch its contactless passport application solution in Europe on February 7, with the UK as the coordinating centre.
The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap announced this during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
She said; “This initiative will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes.”
Nandap reiterated that “the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.”
She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors, but for those renewing their passports.
Nandap also said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.
The Comptroller General commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.
Nandap said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, stressing that “the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.”
She added that passport front offices would soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.
Responding, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.
“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora.
NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative,” she further said.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, adding that the contactless application has since started in Canada with commendations from Nigerians living there.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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