FG Expands E-Passport Services in Europe

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Government has inaugurated an enhanced e-passport processing centers in select Nigerian embassies across Europe. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Nigerian embassy in Rome and was graced by the presence of the Minister of Interior, Dr.

The newly launched passport processing centers are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify the process of acquiring passports for Nigerian citizens living in the diaspora.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to citizens’ diplomacy and enhancing services for the diaspora community.

Representing the Interior Minister, Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju, announced the phased rollout of the enhanced e-passport in Europe. The first phase, which includes Italy, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain, was officially introduced in Rome. The second phase is scheduled to be implemented by the end of the week.

The enhanced e-passport issued adheres to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, making Nigeria the first country in Africa and the fifth globally to embrace this technological advancement.

This new e-passport is expected to significantly reduce processing delays for Nigerian citizens in Europe, provided that applicants follow the application guidelines.

These guidelines include using the online application and payment platform at passport.immigration.gov.ng and ensuring the synchronization of their passport application data with their National Identification Number.

Notably, the advanced travel document offers three categories: a 32-page, five-year validity category, a 64-page, five-year validity category, and a 64-page, ten-year validity category (for adults only).

The inauguration event was attended by senior officials from the High Commission, a diverse representation of Nigerians in Italy, and members of the diplomatic community.

This move is expected to make passport processing more efficient and accessible for Nigerian expatriates in Europe, reflecting the government’s commitment to serving its citizens abroad.