The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out a new update to its passport tracking system aimed at improving transparency and reducing delays in passport collection.

According to the Service, a significant number of Nigerian passports produced in recent months have remained uncollected, resulting in growing complaints from applicants both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

To address this issue, the NIS has introduced a new tracking status labelled “PRODUCED (Passport Produced, Ready for Collection)”. The update allows applicants to clearly see when their passports have been produced and are ready for pickup.

What the New Update Means for Applicants

The newly added status enhances the existing online tracking system by providing clearer information on the stage of passport processing. It helps applicants distinguish between passports that are:
• Produced and ready for physical collection
• Produced but awaiting courier delivery
• Still undergoing processing

This improvement is expected to reduce uncertainty and help applicants plan timely collection, especially at Immigration offices and diplomatic missions where backlogs have been recorded.

Addressing Uncollected Passports and Complaints

The #NIS noted that hundreds of #passports had been produced but were not collected, contributing to congestion at collection centres and increasing frustration among applicants who were unsure of their application status.

By clearly indicating when a passport is ready, the Service believes the new system will improve communication, reduce unnecessary follow-ups, and streamline the overall passport issuance process.

Commitment to Service Improvement

The Nigeria Immigration Service reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an efficient, transparent, and applicant-friendly passport system that aligns with global best practices.

Applicants are advised to regularly check their passport status via the official NIS tracking platform and proceed with collection or delivery arrangements as soon as their passport status shows “Produced – Ready for Collection.”