The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced a system upgrade and maintenance on its passport portal.
In a statement signed by the service public relations officer, Deputy Controller of Immigration (DCI) KT Udo, the NIS said the upgrade will result in a temporary disruption in its passport application portal for applicants within Nigeria
However, the upgrade will not affect passport applications for Nigerians residing outside the country, ensuring continuity of service for applicants abroad.
The service stated that its team is “working tirelessly” to complete the upgrade and restore full functionality within 72 hours.
The statement reads:
Meanwhile, the NIS has announced that Nigerians can apply for a passport without visiting the office.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister, revealed the new contactless passport processing app and said that eligible Nigerians can apply and submit biometrics from home.
Applicants can use the NIS Contactless Biometrics App to capture their face and fingerprint biometrics on their mobile device.
Applicants can upload necessary documents, such as their National Identification Number (NIN), birth certificate, and local government certificate.
Applicants can provide their current passport number for verification.
The system was first launched in Canada on November 1, 2024. It was then launched in the UK, USA, and Italy on November 15, 2024.
Nigeria and other countries were scheduled to launch the system on December 1, 2024.
Meanwhile, the NIS has issued a critical security alert regarding the rise of a new sect that poses potential risks to national security.
In a circular dated January 14, 2025, and signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General, Dr. Adedotun Aridegbe, a Controller of Immigration Service, the agency notified its directorates, zones, training institutions, commands, and border formations about the group.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
