The Federal Government has announced that it will roll out the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January 2026, a digital solution designed to assist Nigerians abroad who lose their passports.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja during the launch of the ECOWAS biometric ID card, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He explained that the new system will allow citizens to generate an emergency travel document using any mobile device, removing the need to visit an embassy in person.
“This initiative will enable Nigerians abroad who lose their passports to generate an emergency travel document using any mobile device without visiting an embassy,” Tunji-Ojo said.
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He encouraged Nigerians to trust the government’s ability to address national challenges and called for collective support for ongoing security reforms.
The STEP is expected to complement other digital identity initiatives, including the recently launched ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), which facilitates travel within West Africa while strengthening border security.
Earlier this month, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that it would introduce the Single Travel Emergency Passport to replace the Emergency Travel Certificate.
The NIS stated that the document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and will be valid for a single entry, as seen on Nairametrics.
According to the Service, the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening border governance, enhancing identity management, and aligning operations with international migration standards.
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Image Credit: Nairametrics
