By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has carried out targeted passport intervention exercises for Nigerians in the diaspora, enrolling thousands of applicants in the United States, Canada, Qatar and the United Kingdom, where the exercise is still ongoing.
The exercises were conducted on the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of efforts to improve passport service delivery to Nigerians abroad. They were held in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions and community representatives in the host countries, to ensure a coordinated and responsive process.
According to the Service, the enrolment figures so far at the United States (Chicago, Michigan, Milwaukee) are 535 applicants, September 7-15, 2026, Canada (Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta and New Brunswick): 2,257 applicants, September 6-19, 2026 and Qatar: 751 applicants, August 9-24, 2026.
The United Kingdom (London and Manchester): 5,099 applicants, are ongoing.
Also in the UK, passport production and dispatch are being carried out alongside enrolment. The Service urged applicants who could not secure appointment slots, as well as those who prefer not to visit the centres or the High Commission in person, to use the Contactless Passport Application System.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to responsive, accessible, timely and convenient passport services for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja on September 21, 2026.
Before publishing, the release gives a total of 8,552, but the four country figures add up to 8,642, a difference of 90.
