By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says 8,552 Nigerians living abroad have so far benefited from its targeted passport intervention exercises carried out across the United States, Canada, Qatar and the United Kingdom.
The Service said the interventions were designed to bring passport services closer to Nigerians in the diaspora and improve access to passport enrolment and related services.
According to the NIS, the exercises were undertaken under the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in collaboration with Nigerian diplomatic missions and representatives of Nigerian communities in the affected countries.
The United States exercise, held across Chicago, Michigan and Milwaukee from September 7 to 15, 2026, recorded 535 enrolled applicants.
In Canada, passport intervention exercises conducted in Manitoba, Toronto, Saskatoon, Alberta and New Brunswick between September 6 and 19 resulted in 2,257 enrolments.
Qatar recorded 751 applicants during the exercise held from August 9 to 24.
The United Kingdom has recorded the highest number so far, with 5,099 applicants enrolled in London and Manchester. The UK exercise is still ongoing.
The NIS said passport production and dispatch are being carried out concurrently during the ongoing UK intervention.
The Service also encouraged Nigerians who could not secure appointment slots during the intervention exercises, or those who prefer not to visit physical centres or diplomatic missions, to use its Contactless Passport Application System.
The Immigration Service said the intervention exercises are part of its efforts to make passport services more accessible, convenient and responsive to Nigerians living outside the country.
It reiterated its commitment to improving the efficiency and timeliness of passport services for Nigerians in the diaspora.
