The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has extended its special passport intervention programme to Nigerians living in the United States, Canada and Qatar, while continuing a similar exercise in the United Kingdom.
The initiative is aimed at improving access to passport services for Nigerians abroad and reducing challenges associated with passport applications and renewals.
The NIS Public Relations Officer, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in a statement made available in Abuja on Monday.
Exercise Conducted Across Several Diaspora Locations
According to the immigration service, the intervention was carried out in partnership with Nigerian diplomatic missions and representatives of Nigerian communities in the affected countries.
Akinlabi said the programme was introduced following the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of efforts to improve passport service delivery.
“The exercises aim to bring passport services closer to Nigerians across various cities,” he said.
He added that thousands of Nigerians had benefited from the initiative.
Thousands Enrolled Through Special Programme
The NIS provided details of enrolment figures recorded across different locations.
In the United States, the exercise held in Chicago, Michigan and Milwaukee enrolled 535 applicants between September 7 and 15.
In Canada, locations including Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta and New Brunswick recorded 2,257 applicants between September 6 and 19.
The service also recorded 751 enrolments in Qatar between August 9 and 24.
Meanwhile, the ongoing intervention exercise in the United Kingdom, covering London and Manchester, had enrolled 5,099 Nigerians as of September 21.
Passport Production Continues Alongside UK Exercise
The immigration service said passport production and dispatch operations were being conducted alongside the UK intervention programme.
Akinlabi explained that applicants who could not obtain physical appointment slots, as well as those who preferred remote processing options, could make use of the Contactless Passport Application System.
NIS Promises Improved Diaspora Services
The immigration service reaffirmed its commitment to making passport services more accessible, efficient and convenient for Nigerians living outside the country.
The agency said the intervention programme reflects ongoing efforts to respond to concerns from Nigerians in the diaspora regarding passport processing delays and accessibility.
