Nigeria to launch contactless passport applications eliminating the need for biometric visits

INTERIOR minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has stepped up plans to introduce a contactless passport application regime that will enable applicants to submit forms from the comfort of their homes without having to visit passport offices or overseas missions.

Under ambitious plans that are expected to come into effect next year, only first time applicants will need to visit passport offices or missions to have their biometric data captured in person. At the moment, everyone has to go through this process when renewing their passports, which can be cumbersome and demanding, especially for diasporans, as in most countries, everything has to take place at the embassy.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja yesterday, where the contactless passport processing App was unveiled, Dr Tunji-Ojo said Nigerians will soon be able to process and receive their passports from the comfort of their homes. He added that this new initiative will initially apply only to Nigerians aged 18 and above and those seeking the renewal of expired passports.

According to the minister, fresh applicants will still be required to appear in person to register their biometrics at passport centres. Adding that pall passports will be centrally issued from Abuja as from April 2025 Dr Tunji-Ojo, said this initiative is part of an effort to streamline passport issuance and reduce the burdens often faced by Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

Also, the minister emphasised that the new process is designed to eliminate exploitation by middlemen, who often create unnecessary obstacles to extort applicants. This contactless passport processing project is a collaboration between two Nigerian firms, Irish Smart Technology and New World, which have been test-running the system over the last nine months.

Dr Tunji-Ojo said the new technology aims to make passport issuance more seamless, with the App covering every requirement for obtaining a Nigerian passport. Also, under the new regime, with the centralisation of passport issuance in Abuja, immigration attachés in foreign missions will no longer be authorised to approve visa issuance, a step aimed at streamlining the process and improving efficiency.

In addition, the minister said that President Bola Tinubu has approved the retention of 50% of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) internally generated revenue, enabling the service to enhance its operations and reduce delays in passport processing. To further strengthen national security, the government is also building 32 forward operational bases across the country to support the NIS in its duties.

Kemi Nandap, the comptroller-general of the NIS, added that the contactless passport issuance system will not only reduce the inconvenience associated with physical processing but also enhance the security of the Nigerian passport in line with international standards. No date has yet been fixed for the introduction of the new regime.