By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has assured Nigerians that passport processing and issuance remain fully operational at all passport offices nationwide and designated Nigerian missions abroad, despite the ongoing centralization of passport production at its headquarters in Abuja.
The clarification follows public enquiries over the phased implementation of the Passport Centralization Reform, which transfers passport booklet printing and security personalization from individual passport offices to the Central Personalization Centre at the NIS Headquarters.
According to the Service, the reform is designed to enhance the security, integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s passport issuance system and does not affect access to passport services.
The NIS explained that the reform is being implemented in five phases to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption. The first three phases, covering several states and foreign missions, have been completed, while Phase Four will commence this month and the final phase is expected to be concluded in the last quarter of 2026.
Under the new framework, all passport booklets will be produced at the centralized, high-capacity facility in Abuja and dispatched to passport offices and designated Nigerian embassies and consulates within two weeks. Passport offices will continue to receive applications, process requests and issue passports to applicants.
The NIS said the reform eliminates manual intervention in passport personalization, improves accountability, strengthens security features and ensures uniform quality standards in line with international best practices. It urged Nigerians to continue applying for passports at their preferred passport offices, reaffirming its commitment to technology-driven service delivery and the integrity of the country’s passport system.
