Nigeria Immigration Service Updates Passport Tracker to Address Delays
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out an enhanced passport tracking feature in response to mounting public complaints over delays in passport issuance and collection.
The update was disclosed in a statement shared by the Service on X on January 15, 2026, amid weeks of criticism from passport applicants across the country.
What Has Changed
According to the NIS, the upgraded system introduces a new status—“PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”—to its existing passport tracking portal.
The new status is designed to give applicants clearer visibility on when their passports are ready for physical collection or courier delivery, reducing uncertainty around processing timelines.
The Service explained that the change became necessary after it discovered that hundreds of passports had already been produced but were yet to be collected, contributing to rising complaints.
“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 NIS said.
Public Outcry Over Passport Delays
The announcement comes amid widespread criticism on social media, where applicants have reported delays stretching into several months. Some users also alleged deliberate bottlenecks within the passport processing system.
One of the most prominent complaints came from investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who shared his experience of waiting over six months for a passport renewal despite completing payment and biometric capture in July 2025.
Soyombo’s post, which garnered over 1,400 likes and hundreds of reposts, accused the system of inefficiency and criticised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for failing to deliver promised reforms.
“It is now six months since I paid and applied for the renewal of my international passport,” Soyombo wrote, describing the reforms as “gallery play and public sentiment manipulation.”
In response, the NIS stated that Soyombo’s passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery, adding that delays can sometimes result from incomplete applications or technical issues on the platform.
Allegations of Bribery and System Sabotage
Beyond individual complaints, several applicants alleged that some immigration officers deliberately frustrate the online application process to extract bribes.
One applicant claimed their passport was delayed for four months after refusing to pay for “express” processing at the Abuja passport office. Others alleged that application statuses are intentionally left unupdated to pressure applicants into paying extra fees for urgency.
While the NIS has not directly addressed the bribery allegations, the Service reiterated its commitment to building an efficient and transparent passport system aligned with global best practices.
As public scrutiny continues, the effectiveness of the new tracking feature is likely to play a key role in restoring trust in Nigeria’s passport issuance process.
