The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is preparing to roll out a new Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) , a secure, biometric travel document designed to assist Nigerians stranded abroad due to expired, lost, damaged, or stolen passports.
The initiative marks a significant upgrade from the Emergency Travel Certificate previously issued in such situations, introducing a more globally recognized and security-enhanced solution for emergency travel back to Nigeria.
According to the NIS leadership, the move is part of its continuous digital transformation agenda aimed at strengthening passport issuance systems, protecting Nigerian identities globally, and aligning consular services with international standards.
The new emergency passport will serve as a temporary, one-way travel document strictly for returning home. It is expected to be issued through Nigerian embassies and consular offices worldwide after biometric verification and necessary security checks.
Officials say STEP will help reduce challenges faced by Nigerians abroad, including those stranded after passport theft, expired passports, or urgent need to return home for family or health emergencies. The biometric features aim to ensure proper identification and curb impersonation and travel-related fraud.
The NIS emphasized that while the document will simplify emergency travel, it does not replace the standard Nigerian passport. Returning travelers will be required to apply for a regular passport upon arrival in the country.
Stakeholders have applauded the initiative, noting that it strengthens Nigeria’s consular services, enhances protection of citizens abroad, and reinforces global credibility in travel document management.
The Single Travel Emergency Passport is expected to be deployed soon, with detailed guidelines and rollout dates to be announced through embassies and official government channels.
As Nigeria continues reforming its immigration and identity systems, the STEP represents another strategic step towards a more secure, efficient, and citizen-friendly passport administration process.
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