The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced an enhanced passport tracking feature to address delays in passport issuance and collection. The update, announced on Thursday, comes after rising public complaints about the process. According to the NIS, hundreds of produced passports remain uncollected, leading to increased complaints from applicants.
The new system introduces a “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)” status to the existing passport tracker. This feature aims to provide applicants with clearer visibility on when their passports are ready for pickup or courier delivery, reducing uncertainty around processing timelines.
The development follows weeks of criticism from passport applicants, including prominent Nigerians, who have taken to social media to express frustration with the process. Public outcry has reported delays stretching into several months, as well as allegations of deliberate bottlenecks within the system.
The NIS stated that the new tracker status would help applicants distinguish between production delays and passports that are ready but yet to be retrieved. The Service observed that delays can sometimes arise from incomplete applications or technical issues on the platform.
Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo had shared his experience of waiting over six months for a passport renewal, despite completing payment and biometric capture in July 2025. His post criticized the immigration process and accused the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, of failing to deliver promised reforms. However, the NIS responded that Soyombo’s passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery.
The NIS had announced a price increase for passports last year, citing the need to improve efficiency and quality. The price of a 32-page passport with 5-year validity was increased from 50,000 to 100,000, while a 64-page passport with 10-year validity now costs 200,000.
The introduction of the enhanced passport tracking feature aims to address the concerns of applicants and improve the overall efficiency of the passport issuance process. The NIS has assured that the update will help applicants stay informed about timelines for passports produced and awaiting collection or delivery. With this development, the Service hopes to reduce the uncertainty and frustration associated with the passport application process.
