The Nigerian Immigration Service, under the Ministry of Interior, has introduced a new website portal. It allows citizens, both in the country and diaspora, to schedule passport appointments, make payments, and obtain a date for data capture from the convenience of their homes.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlights this as a crucial step to expedite the passport collection process, streamline verification, alleviate pressure on agencies, and establish a fully automated passport application system in the country.
With what we have done now, we have reduced the process of requesting for a passport to about six minutes. This does not require anybody to visit the immigration office and it will reduce the pressure on the immigration officers
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The new portal will serve as the primary online platform for applications related to new passports, renewals, and other passport-related matters moving forward. Starting today, January 8, 2024, the portal will be operational, initially accepting applications only from Nigerians residing in Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured that the portal would soon be accessible to users worldwide, building on the success experienced in Nigeria. Additionally, he highlighted the upcoming second phase of the project, slated for launch in March, featuring a contactless data verification system. This innovation will enable users to conveniently complete their data-capturing process directly on the portal, from the comfort of their homes.
For the next two months, applicants on the portal will still have to visit our offices for their data capturing. But, from March, this will no longer be necessary. They will be able to upload some biometrics online for verification purposes against their NIN data. This will be especially useful for our people in the diaspora
Dr. Tunji-Ojo
How it works
Moving forward, citizens are required to submit their passport applications exclusively through the portal. To initiate the process, applicants should visit https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
Likewise, residents in Nigeria will be charged N25,000 for a 32-page passport valid for 5 years and N70,000 for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity. For applicants residing outside Nigeria, the fees are $130 for a 5-year, 32-page passport and $230 for a 10-year, 64-page passport.
Likewise, residents in Nigeria will be charged N25,000 for a 32-page passport valid for 5 years and N70,000 for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity. For applicants residing outside Nigeria, the fees are $130 for a 5-year, 32-page passport and $230 for a 10-year, 64-page passport.
The portal facilitates users in completing various applications through simple steps, including:
- Applying for a new passport
- Requesting renewal/re-issue
- Applying for data correction
- Resuming previously initiated applications
- Checking payment status
- Booking appointments
