Nigeria’s passport issuance system has undergone a sweeping transformation, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, security, and service delivery. As of July 2025, the country has surpassed the milestone of three and a half million passports issued, a testament to the government’s commitment to modernising travel documentation and streamlining access for citizens at home and abroad.
Nigeria’s progress in passport processing has been remarkable. Travel and Tour World reports that by mid-2025, a total of 3,546,258 passports had been processed—3,080,141 within Nigeria and 466,117 for Nigerians overseas. This achievement reflects a robust effort to make travel documents more accessible to all citizens.
Financially, the sector has also turned a corner. According to the National Immigration Service, the government slashed a ₦20 billion debt by over ₦10 billion in just six months, signalling a new era of fiscal responsibility and prudent asset management.
The passport system’s overhaul is powered by digital innovation. The government has fully automated the process of uploading breeder documents—such as marriage and birth certificates—allowing applicants to submit these online themselves. This shift has reduced annual costs by approximately ₦1 billion and eliminated the delays associated with manual processing.
Enhanced e-passport centres have expanded from 26 to 44 within Nigeria and from five to 47 internationally, making secure, globally recognised travel documents more accessible than ever. The harmonisation of passport offices and the rollout of ICAO-compliant e-passports further elevate Nigeria’s international standing.
Nigerian passports are now produced to global standards in over 50 offices worldwide. Membership in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory enables real-time verification of passport authenticity, boosting international trust and acceptance.
The government has also modernised the issuance of Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits. From July 31, 2025, all applications must be submitted online, ensuring comprehensive digital records of applicants’ data and biometrics. This move reduces fraud risk and accelerates processing, strengthening national security.
A new Passport Front Office in Abuja exemplifies the administration’s commitment to delivering modern and efficient service. This facility is designed to meet the growing demand and aligns with the broader goals of improving business ease and enhancing public service quality.
Internationally, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has partnered with the Dutch government to deploy advanced migration management technologies, reflecting Nigeria’s drive to adopt global best practices in passport and immigration services.
Nigeria’s passport reforms will have lasting benefits for international airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Delta Air Lines. With advanced e-passports and global compliance, airlines can expect smoother immigration processing and reduced delays at Nigerian airports.
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The digitisation of passport and permit applications enhances document security and verification, fostering stronger cooperation between immigration authorities and airlines worldwide. Digital records also streamline compliance checks, improving the passenger experience and operational efficiency.
These reforms are poised to transform the travel and tourism sector in Nigeria. The issuance of over 3.5 million passports and the simplification of application processes make travel more convenient for both Nigerians and foreign visitors. Tourists benefit from faster immigration clearance and efficient visa services, enhancing Nigeria’s appeal as a destination.
For Nigerians, the modernised system means quicker access to internationally accepted travel documents, encouraging more outbound travel and fostering global business and tourism exchanges. The adoption of digital governance further positions Nigeria as a secure, attractive destination for international travellers.
Nigeria’s comprehensive digitisation of its passport and visa systems is significantly bolstering its travel and tourism sector by creating a more accessible, efficient, and secure environment for international visitors. The introduction of e-visas, automated entry processes, and enhanced security features is a key component of this transformation, directly addressing previous barriers to tourism growth.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the rollout of an e-visa system, which simplifies and accelerates the application process for tourists and business travellers alike. This online platform allows individuals to apply for and receive their visas electronically, eliminating the need for in-person consulate visits and lengthy processing times. By making it easier and faster to obtain entry permits, Nigeria is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for spontaneous and planned travel.
Further enhancing the visitor experience, the country is implementing automated arrival and departure cards and deploying e-gates at its international airports. This move to a digital-first approach at border control significantly reduces processing times, minimises queues, and creates a more welcoming first impression for tourists. The integration of biometric technology not only speeds up clearance but also strengthens national security, fostering a safer environment for travellers.
The digital transformation also extends to the passport application and renewal process for Nigerian citizens, which, while primarily benefiting nationals, indirectly supports the tourism sector by enabling smoother outbound and inbound travel for the diaspora, a significant source of tourism revenue.
By streamlining visa acquisition, expediting airport procedures, and enhancing security, Nigeria’s digital passport and immigration reforms are creating a more favourable and competitive landscape for its travel and tourism industry, paving the way for increased visitor numbers and economic growth.
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FAQs
1. What major changes have been made to Nigeria’s passport issuance process?
Nigeria has digitised passport applications, cleared a significant backlog, expanded e-passport centres, and adopted ICAO-compliant standards, making the process faster, more secure, and globally recognised.
2. How has the Nigerian government addressed the backlog of passport applications?
The administration eliminated a backlog of over 200,000 applications by streamlining processes and increasing efficiency, ensuring timely issuance for all applicants.
3. What are the benefits of Nigeria’s digital passport reforms for international travellers and airlines?
Digital reforms mean faster immigration clearance, secure and verifiable documents, and reduced delays for airlines and travellers, enhancing the overall travel experience.
4. How do the new passport reforms impact Nigerians living abroad?
Nigerians abroad have improved access to passport services through expanded overseas centres and online document submission, making it easier to obtain travel documents.
5. What role do international partnerships play in Nigeria’s passport modernisation?
Collaborations, such as with the Dutch government, have brought advanced technology and best practices to Nigeria’s immigration services, further improving efficiency and security.