The Nigeria Immigration Service has rolled out an update to its passport tracking system designed to enhance service delivery and ensure applicants stay fully informed about the status of their passports.
In a statement shared on its verified X handle on Thursday, the Service explained that the upgrade was prompted by the observation that “hundreds of passports produced had remained uncollected,” a situation that has repeatedly generated complaints from applicants.
To address this, the NIS has introduced a new status in the tracking system labeled “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”, which explicitly notifies applicants when their passports are ready for pickup.
“The new addition includes a feature informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection,” the Service stated.
The updated system is designed to improve transparency and keep applicants informed throughout the entire passport process, whether documents are awaiting physical collection or pending courier delivery..
“This update enhances the existing tracking system, and helps applicants stay informed about timelines for passports produced and awaiting collection (for physical collection) or produced but not delivered (for courier delivery),” the statement added.
Currently, the stages of the e-passport application process include:
Paid – Application paid and vetted
Application Sent – Application sent to passport office workstation
Application Received – Passport Office has confirmed receipt of application
Ready For Enrolment – Application is at the selected passport office for enrolment
NIN Verification – NIN successfully verified
Production Queue – Passport production is in progress
The newly added features are:
Produced – Passport produced, ready for collection
Passport Issued – Passport issued/collected
Reaffirming its dedication to improved service delivery, the NIS emphasized its commitment to operational efficiency and aligning with global best practices.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to delivering an efficient system that works for all in line with global best practices,” the Service added.
The action comes after a public call-out by investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo on January 14, 2026.
In his first post shared on social media, Soyombo said in January 2024, he warned that Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo would not be able to fix Nigeria’s deeply corrupt passport system, a view that drew criticism at the time but now feels vindicated after waiting six months for a passport renewal.
Despite paying ₦109,700 on July 31, 2025, via the Nigeria Immigration Service portal and visiting a Lagos office for documentation, the process was marred by mockery from officials, prolonged “network problems,” and repeated visits, with the application still stuck at “passport pending production.” This experience sharply contrasts with Tunji-Ojo’s widely publicised promise that passports would be issued within one week, reinforcing the writer’s belief that the minister’s reputation is built more on media-friendly promises and public relations than tangible results, and serving as a warning against judging public officials or institutions solely by glowing media reports.
In response, the Nigeria Immigration Service clarified that Fisayo Soyombo’s delayed passport has already been produced and is ready for delivery. While most applicants receive passports within 2–3 weeks, occasional delays can occur due to incomplete applications, security checks, or technical issues.
In 2025 alone, over 1.3 million passports were issued, and Nigeria’s passport has improved in global rankings.
The agency emphasized that a single delay doesn’t reflect the overall success of reforms and announced a new “passport produced” tracker feature to keep applicants informed.
In another post, Soyombo wrote, “I acknowledge the Nigeria Immigration Service’s statement on the delay of my passport renewal and welcome the planned “passport produced” tracker feature, though I intend to verify its implementation. However, their claim that a single delay doesn’t reflect overall reform ignores widespread frustrations shared by many Nigerians, not just my case. While my passport was finally delivered after NIS contact, the broader issues with the online application system remain unresolved and affect countless applicants.”
Previously, applicants could only track limited stages like payment, receipt, enrollment, NIN verification, and production, which had replaced the need for repeated visits to immigration offices.
The NIS emphasized its dedication to maintaining an efficient, globally competitive system and encouraged applicants to rely on the enhanced tracker for live updates on their passport status.
