The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has upgraded its passport tracking system with a new feature designed to alert applicants when their passports are ready for collection.
The Service said the update, tagged “passport produced,” provides clearer information on passports that have been completed and are either ready for physical pickup or awaiting courier delivery. According to the NIS, the enhancement will help applicants track timelines more accurately and improve overall service efficiency.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the NIS explained that the feature appears as “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION),” enabling applicants to know when their passports are available.
“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 Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to delivering an efficient system that works for all in line with global best practices,” the statement read.
The development comes amid public complaints over delays in passport processing, including a recent post by journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who shared his experience of waiting several months for the renewal of his international passport.
Soyombo said he paid N109,700 through the NIS payment portal on July 31, 2025, but faced delays attributed to network issues, with the system repeatedly showing “passport pending production.”
In response, the NIS clarified that the passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery, adding that delays may sometimes occur due to incomplete applications, security checks or technical challenges.
The Service also disclosed that more than 1.3 million passports were produced in 2025 and noted that Nigeria’s passport has recently improved its ranking on the Henley Passport Index.