The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a revised passport tracking system, introducing status alerts to notify applicants when their documents are ready for physical collection or courier delivery.
According to Technology Times, the update, announced January 15, 2026, aims to address persistent transparency issues and a growing backlog of uncollected passports at NIS offices nationwide.
The core of the upgrade is a new, specific status notification: “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION).” This replaces ambiguous systems where applications were often stuck in an “in process” or “issued/collected” loop, leaving applicants uncertain if their documents were physically available.
The revised system now distinguishes between:
- Passports produced and awaiting physical collection at NIS offices.
- Passports produced but pending courier delivery for those using the contactless service.
This technological shift follows a series of significant passport fee adjustments designed to fund infrastructure improvements. As of September 2025, fees for a 32-page passport (5-year validity) rose to ₦100,000, while the 64-page passport (10-year validity) increased to ₦200,000.
These figures represent a substantial jump from August 2024, when the 32-page passport was priced at ₦50,000.
The NIS stated the update became necessary after observing that hundreds of completed passports remained uncollected because applicants were unaware of their status.
The timing of the rollout also coincides with heightened public pressure. Recently, investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo gained significant social media traction after accusing the Service of prolonged delays, claiming his renewal application remained pending for six months.
The NIS maintains that these reforms, including the “contactless” initiative launched in December 2024, are essential to “streamline applications” and align Nigeria’s passport administration with “global best practices.”
Alongside the tracking updates, the Federal Government officially launched the ECOWAS National Biometric Card (ENBIC) designed to:
– Strengthen Security: Enhance border control and intelligence gathering to combat trans-border crime.
– Ease Travel: Revolutionize regional mobility and integration within the ECOWAS bloc.
– Modernize ID: Replace vulnerable paper documents with secure, biometric-technology.
This cryptographic card replaces the decades-old paper-based travel certificates for West African citizens, also promoting investment, tourism and economic development.
