Nigeria introduces hassle-free, contactless passport renewal system for European-based citizens

After its successful implementation in Canada, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has launched the Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe.

The minister said on Friday that the event marked a significant milestone, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of public services for Nigerians worldwide.

This initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to streamline government services and make them more accessible to citizens both at home and abroad, Tunji-Ojo explained.

“As with the case in Canada, this innovative system is designed to eliminate the traditional hurdles associated with passport renewals. Now, eligible Nigerians in Europe can renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices.

“This initiative not only reduces the inconvenience of travel and long waiting times but also brings the services of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) directly to your digital doorstep.

“The introduction of this system in Europe further underscores our dedication to: Efficiency: By allowing passport renewals to be conducted without physical presence. This helps us cut down processing times significantly.

“Accessibility: Ensuring that Nigerians in the diaspora experience government services with ease, regardless of their location.

“Modernisation: Embracing technology to meet the contemporary needs of our citizens in line with our pledge to digital transformation of the country as we race towards achieving the $1 trillion dollar economy ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),” the minister said.

According to him, the Nigerian diaspora is an integral part of the national fabric, which contributes immensely to the nation’s development.

Tunji-Ojo also said: “Hence, it is our duty to ensure they have access to services that match the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

“As a government, we will continue to uphold transparency without compromising security in all our operations. This launch is only the beginning; we are poised to expand these reforms by bringing government services closer to all Nigerians.

“We look forward to a future where every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, benefits from our efforts to modernise and humanise government services.”