The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to launch a new biometric travel document, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), aimed at assisting Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen.
This initiative is part of NIS’s ongoing reforms to strengthen identity management and border governance frameworks in line with global best practices.
“The STEP will serve as a temporary travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner,” said Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap in a statement on Wednesday.
She noted that the document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad and is valid only for single entry, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and robust identity protection.
Nandap made this announcement during the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes held in Abuja, co-hosted by Nigeria and France.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, emphasizing prevention, protection, and prosecution across regional migration routes.
The STEP will replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) and is expected to enhance migration management systems, international cooperation, and capacity building.
Nandap reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogues, aligning policies and operations with international standards to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration across borders.
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