Nigerian passports
The Federal Government has extended the ongoing Special Passport Intervention Exercise in the United Kingdom following the large number of Nigerians seeking to renew their passports.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that the exercise, which was expected to end earlier, will now run from October 6 to October 30, 2026. The extension was approved on the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to a public announcement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the decision was taken because of the “high turnout and sustained demand by Nigerians for the Special Passport Intervention Exercise in the United Kingdom.”
The NIS urged Nigerians living in the UK to make use of the additional time to renew their passports and attend the exercise at designated centres.
The exercise will be held in London, Manchester, and Aberdeen, while the venue for Cardiff will be announced later. The Service advised applicants to monitor the Nigeria High Commission’s website and official NIS communication channels for updates.
Applicants are required to book appointments online and strictly keep to their scheduled dates and times to ensure a smooth and orderly process.
The Service also reminded eligible Nigerians that the Contactless Passport Application System remains available, allowing passport renewal without visiting a Nigerian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
Applicants attending the intervention exercise are expected to present a completed application form, payment slips as proof of payment, appointment printout, a self-addressed return envelope, and their current passport for renewal cases.
The NIS stressed that cash payments will not be accepted at any of the venues.
The Service called on applicants to cooperate with officials throughout the exercise to ensure efficient service delivery.
The passport intervention programme is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve access to passport services for Nigerians in the diaspora. The initiative has been introduced in several countries to reduce waiting time, clear application backlogs and make passport renewal more convenient for citizens living abroad.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigeria Immigration Service said it remains dedicated to providing efficient, transparent and responsive passport services to Nigerians both at home and overseas.
