The Nigeria Immigration Service has announced plans to introduce a new Single Travel Emergency Passport for Nigerians living abroad who need to return home but cannot do so because their passports are expired, lost, or stolen.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, revealed the development during the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey Processes held in Abuja.
The meeting, co-hosted by Nigeria and France, brought together agencies and international partners working to improve migration management across regions.
According to a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the new STEP document will replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate as part of reforms aimed at strengthening identity management and border control.
Nandap explained that the STEP document will be issued only to Nigerians abroad who require temporary travel clearance to return to the country.
“The STEP will serve as a temporary, single-entry travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner,” she said.
She added that the new measure aligns with international best practices and enhances the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ identities.
“This reform is aimed at strengthening identity management and border governance frameworks in line with global standards,” the Comptroller-General stated.
The document will be obtainable at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and will only be valid for one entry into Nigeria.
The high-level forum in Abuja drew participation from organizations including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NAPTIP, ECOWAS, African Union, European Union, as well as officials from African and European countries.
Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling along major migration routes.
During her keynote presentation titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses,” Nandap emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to safe and orderly migration.
“Nigeria remains committed to regional and global migration dialogues, and the NIS will continue to align its policies and operations with international standards to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration across borders,” she affirmed.
