The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has enrolled 8,552 Nigerians in targeted passport intervention exercises conducted across the United States, Canada, Qatar and the United Kingdom, as part of efforts to address passport service challenges affecting Nigerians living abroad.
The intervention exercises are aimed at bringing Nigerian passport services closer to citizens in the diaspora, particularly applicants who have experienced difficulties securing appointments, completing biometric enrolment or obtaining new and renewed travel documents.
According to the NIS, the exercises were carried out in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions and representatives of Nigerian communities in the affected countries. The initiative followed a directive from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to improve passport service delivery to Nigerians outside the country.
UK Records Highest Number of Applicants
The United Kingdom recorded the highest number of Nigerian passport applicants among the four countries covered by the intervention exercise.
The NIS said 5,099 Nigerians had been enrolled in London and Manchester as of the latest update. Unlike the exercises in the United States, Canada and Qatar, the UK intervention was still ongoing at the time of the announcement.
The Immigration Service also said passport production and dispatch were being carried out concurrently in the UK, a process designed to reduce the waiting period between biometric enrolment and the delivery of completed Nigerian passports.
The NIS further advised Nigerians who could not secure appointment slots during the physical intervention exercise, as well as those who prefer not to visit passport centres or the Nigerian High Commission physically, to use the Contactless Passport Application System.
Canada Enrols More Than 2,200 Nigerians
Canada recorded the second-highest number of applicants, with 2,257 Nigerians enrolled during the passport intervention exercises.
The Canadian exercise covered several locations, including Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta and New Brunswick, and was conducted between September 6 and September 19, 2026.
The wide geographical coverage reflects the challenge of providing consular and passport services to Nigerians living in different parts of large countries.
For Nigerians living far away from diplomatic missions, accessing passport services can involve considerable travel, expenses and time away from work or other responsibilities.
By taking passport intervention services to multiple cities, the NIS sought to reduce some of those difficulties and make the process more accessible to members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Qatar Passport Exercise Enrols 751 Nigerians
In Qatar, the intervention exercise enrolled 751 Nigerian applicants.
The exercise took place between August 9 and August 24, 2026, according to the NIS.
The development comes amid efforts by Nigerian diplomatic authorities in Qatar to improve the speed of passport processing for Nigerians living in the country.
The intervention exercise included applications for both five-year and 10-year Nigerian passports, according to the reported figures.
United States Exercise Records 535 Enrolments
In the United States, the NIS enrolled 535 Nigerians during intervention exercises conducted in Chicago, Michigan and Milwaukee.
The exercise ran from September 7 to September 15, 2026.
The United States has one of the largest Nigerian populations outside Africa, making accessible consular and passport services particularly important for Nigerians who require valid travel documents for international travel, identification and other official purposes.
The intervention model allows immigration officials to work alongside diplomatic missions and Nigerian community representatives to reach applicants in multiple locations rather than relying exclusively on regular appointment channels.
What the 8,552 Figure Means
The combined figure of 8,552 enrolled Nigerians provides an indication of the demand for Nigerian passport services among citizens living in the four countries.
The figures released by the NIS are:
- United States: 535 applicants
- Canada: 2,257 applicants
- Qatar: 751 applicants
- United Kingdom: 5,099 applicants
- Total: 8,552 applicants
The United Kingdom accounts for the largest share of the reported enrolments, while Canada follows with more than 2,200 applicants.
It is important to note that the UK exercise was still ongoing when the figures were released. Therefore, the number of Nigerians enrolled in the United Kingdom could increase as the intervention continues.
Nigeria Immigration Service Targets Better Passport Delivery
The passport intervention exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Immigration Service to improve passport processing for Nigerians in the diaspora.
For many Nigerians abroad, obtaining or renewing a passport is an important administrative requirement. A valid Nigerian passport can be essential for international travel, identification, immigration-related processes and access to consular services.
The NIS said its intervention exercises were designed to provide a more coordinated and responsive service by bringing officials closer to applicants.
The involvement of Nigerian diplomatic missions and community representatives also creates a channel through which information about passport applications can be communicated more effectively.
Contactless Passport Application System
For Nigerians who cannot attend physical intervention centres, the Contactless Passport Application System provides another option.
The NIS specifically encouraged applicants who could not obtain appointment slots, as well as Nigerians who would rather not physically visit passport centres or diplomatic missions, to make use of the system.
The continued development of digital passport services could help reduce some of the pressure associated with physical appointments, particularly for Nigerians living considerable distances from embassies, high commissions and designated passport centres.
Applicants should rely on official NIS and Nigerian diplomatic mission information when determining eligibility, appointment requirements, biometric procedures and document collection arrangements.
A Significant Development for Nigerians in the Diaspora
The enrolment of 8,552 Nigerians across the United States, Canada, Qatar and the United Kingdom highlights the demand for Nigerian passport services abroad and the efforts being made to respond to that demand.
With the UK exercise still underway, additional Nigerians may be enrolled before the intervention concludes.
The initiative also demonstrates the importance of expanding access to government services beyond traditional diplomatic locations. For Nigerians living across large geographical areas, bringing passport services closer to communities can reduce the logistical challenges associated with travelling long distances for documentation.
The Nigeria Immigration Service says the overall objective remains improved, accessible and timely passport service delivery.
For Nigerians in the diaspora awaiting passport renewal or new travel documents, the latest intervention exercises could provide an additional avenue for accessing immigration services, while those unable to secure physical appointments can explore the Contactless Passport Application System.
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Conclusion
The enrolment of 8,552 Nigerians in passport intervention exercises across the United States, Canada, Qatar and the United Kingdom represents a significant effort to expand access to Nigerian passport services for citizens living abroad.
As the United Kingdom intervention continues, the number of applicants reached could increase. The broader success of the programme will ultimately depend on how effectively passport production, processing and delivery are sustained after enrolment.
For Nigerians in the diaspora, easier access to passport services remains an important part of maintaining effective links with Nigeria and meeting international travel and identification requirements.
Premium News Naija will continue to bring readers updates on Nigerian immigration, diaspora affairs, government services and other major national developments.
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