By Peter Omopo
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has upgraded its passport tracking system with a new feature designed to inform applicants when their passports are ready for collection.
The Service said the update, tagged “Passport Produced,” provides clearer information to applicants by indicating whether a passport is ready for physical pickup or awaiting courier delivery, with the aim of improving transparency and efficiency in the application process.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the NIS explained that the enhancement would help applicants better understand processing timelines.
“The new addition, tagged ‘PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION),’ includes a feature informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection,” the Service said.
“This update enhances the existing tracking system and helps applicants stay informed about timelines for passports produced and awaiting collection (for physical collection) or produced but not delivered (for courier delivery). The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to delivering an efficient system that works for all in line with global best practices.”
The update comes amid public complaints over delays in passport processing. Recently, investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo shared his experience of waiting several months for his passport renewal despite completing payment and application procedures.
Soyombo said he paid N109,700 through the NIS payment portal on July 31, 2025, but encountered network issues and continued to receive a “passport pending production” status update.
In response, the NIS clarified that his passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery, adding that delays can sometimes result from incomplete applications, security checks, or technical challenges.
The Service also disclosed that more than 1.3 million passports were produced in 2025, noting that Nigeria’s passport has recently improved its position on the Henley Passport Index.
