Simple Steps To Applying For Nigerian Passport Online

The Federal Government’s Ministry of Interior launched an online passport application portal to make passport applications easy for Nigerians.

In December, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the FG was aiming to automate passport applications.

The minister stated that the automated application system was “99 per cent done,” including submitting passport images and supporting documents.

He stated that Nigerian applicants for 32-page passports with five-year validity pay N35,000 and 64-page passports with 10-year validity pay N70,000.

Foreign applicants for five-year passports with 32 pages will pay $130, while 10-year passports with 64 pages would cost $230.

Disclaimer: The above costs might have changed

To apply online, follow the steps below:

1. Visit the online application portal http://passport.immigration.gov.ng.

2. Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport” (for new applicants)

3. Enter your NIN and date of birth and complete other required data

4. Upload your passport photograph and other supporting documents.

5. Visit the closest Immigration Office for your biometric capture.

6. Within two weeks, your passport will be ready for collection.

For fresh applicants:

1. You must be a Nigerian

2. You must have NIN

3. Have a passport photograph that meets ICAO standards

4. Have your documents such as birth certificate, local government certificate of origin, and other documents ready

To renew your passport:

1. You must have NIN

2. Have an old passport number

3. Have a passport photograph that meets ICAO standards.

4. Have your documents such as birth certificate, local government certificate of origin, and other documents ready.

Use this link to check how much it would cost you on the official application portal

Benefits of the Nigerian Passport:

It’s easy to become so caught up in discussions about everything wrong with Nigeria that we overlook the benefits of having a Nigerian passport. People rarely apply because they are unaware.

These advantages apply to Nigerian citizens at home and in the diaspora.

The disadvantages exist, but be educated on the benefits while they last to avoid missing out. Here’s why you should get your Nigerian passport now:

A. Personal Travel Allowance (PTA):

This is a service provided by most Nigerian commercial banks that allows you to acquire US dollars over the counter at the bank rate for personal spending while traveling.

The bank may require you to present proof of your ticket booking and/or visa. We used to be able to receive it right away over the counter, but these days, you may need to apply 3-4 weeks in advance.

B. International Scholarships:

Some State Governments, Government Agencies, Oil Companies and other multinationals offer international scholarships to indigent students of select host communities, Local Governments, States and sometimes the entire country, Nigeria. Slots might not be many but they exist.

C. Dual/Multiple Citizenships:

Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that permits you to hold both your Nigerian passport and any other passports you want.

If you’ve spent your entire life in Nigeria, you might assume this is ‘normal’, but it’s not.
Some notable countries do not permit this.

Before taking on new citizenship, you must relinquish the previous one. Our neighbors, Liberia, for example, have only recently begun the process of permitting her people of Liberian descent in the diaspora to return home and claim Liberian citizenship without having to renounce their other citizenships.

Many developed and developing countries continue to disallow dual citizenship. Nigeria provides you with that freedom, therefore if you have the means and opportunity to obtain other citizenships, feel free.

D. Foreign Currency (Domiciliary Accounts):

It’s almost a taboo in most countries to hold a local bank account in foreign currency.

In Nigeria, despite the current shortages, you can open foreign currency (domiciliary) accounts in Pounds, Euro and US Dollars and receive funds there via bank wire transfers.

We have enjoyed this facility for many years, though I do not know how much longer our Central bank can keep it going.

E. Visa-free Access to ECOWAS:

Nigerian passport holders can travel all ECOWAS countries without a visa.

For those who skipped Social Studies, ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is a WhatsApp group for all West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Benin Republic, Togo, The Gambia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Cabo Verde, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Cote d’Ivoire.

These countries may not be particularly wealthy, yet obtaining visas to these places might be tough or cumbersome for non-ECOWAS people.

If you have a Nigerian passport, however, you can simply pack your belongings and board a flight. You are covered.

Some governments forbid or make it difficult for their citizens to leave. For example, North Korea is known to shoot individuals who attempt to flee without permission. Those seeking permission to depart must show that they have family members left behind who could be held as hostages if they do not return as promised.

When a North Korean who has legally left the country desires to return, they must apply for a reentry visa in order to enter their home country.

Some other countries make passports expensive (up to a year’s salary) or impose high travel taxes, deterring most middle-class (and lower-income) earners from bothering with them at all.

Note: There are definitely more benefits that are unadvertised like study/trade treaties we have with other countries.