NIS Launches Second Phase Of Contactless Passport Application In US And Brazil

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has extended the second phase of its contactless biometric passport application system to four more countries, namely the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Brazil. In a statement, NIS Public Relations Officer AS Akinlabi confirmed that the system was introduced in the United States on Friday, April 11, and began operating on Monday, April 14, in the other three nations.

This recent expansion builds on the successful launch of the service in other regions, as the NIS works to simplify passport renewal procedures for Nigerians residing overseas. Akinlabi noted that the contactless application system is also presently operational in Canada, parts of Europe, and Asia. The program, which was first rolled out late last year, allows Nigerian citizens to renew their passports without needing to visit a passport center for biometric data collection.

Applicants can now complete their renewal process by downloading the NIS mobile application from the Google Play Store. Akinlabi mentioned that the version for Apple devices will soon be accessible on the App Store, and that a more sophisticated version of the app is under development to improve user experience and accessibility for both Android and iOS users.

The NIS further disclosed that the third phase of the contactless passport application rollout will include Nigeria and Australia, with implementation dates to be announced in due time. The service forms part of a wider initiative by the immigration agency to streamline passport processing and enhance services for Nigerians worldwide. Akinlabi reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to delivering innovative and efficient solutions to all citizens, irrespective of their geographic location.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli