- The Federal Government permits entry for Nigerians with expired passports, aiming to facilitate travel during the festive season
- The Nigeria Immigration Service instructs airlines to allow individuals with expired passports to board, emphasizing efficient re-issuance within two weeks
The Federal Government has issued a directive allowing citizens with expired passports to enter the country without hindrance.
A letter dated December 22, 2023, from the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Wura-Ola Adepoju, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed the government’s decision. The NIS requested that Nigerians “be admitted into the country with their expired Nigerian passports.”
The letter continued, “I am directed to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, in her efforts to make life easy for Nigerians in the diaspora, has approved that all Nigerians returning home can be admitted into the country with their expired Nigerian passports.”
Airlines operating flights to Nigeria were also instructed to permit individuals with expired Nigerian passports to board without any impediments.
To ensure widespread awareness, the letter advised all Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions to publicize this directive effectively. Additionally, entry/exit points were directed to establish help desks for Nigerians in this category. The letter emphasized that these individuals could have their passports reissued within a maximum of two (2) weeks through designated passport offices.
While the media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, couldn’t confirm the receipt of the letter, a reliable source at the NIS, who preferred to remain anonymous, affirmed that this policy aligns with a similar initiative implemented by the Federal Government last year. This decision is a testament to the government’s commitment to easing the travel process for Nigerians during the festive season.