The stress of travelling, particularly by Nigerians abroad who lose their passports, will soon be eased, as the Federal Government has announced the launching of Single Travel Emergency Passport in January 2026.
This was made known in a statement by the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, Kamorudeen Yusuf
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the new system will allow citizens to generate an emergency travel document from any mobile device, removing the need to visit an embassy.
“The initiative complements other digital identity reforms, including the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, which enhances regional travel and strengthens border security.
“The new passport will replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate and will be valid for a single entry, issued through designated Nigerian embassies and consulates,” the statement further read.
This development, it said, forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Immigration Service to modernise immigration processes and strengthen identity management.
Recent reforms include upgrades to the passport portal, rollout of contactless biometric passport systems in several countries, nationwide expansion of enhanced passport centres, digitalisation of expatriate permits, and the launch of a centralised passport personalisation system capable of producing up to 5,000 passports daily, enabling same day issuance.
