The federal government has announced plans to introduce the new biometric emergency travel document, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), by 2026 as part of reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s immigration processes and strengthening border security.
Initially revealed in November, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nandap, speaking on Monday in Abuja during the decoration of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to the rank of Comptrollers of Immigration, said the proposed STEP would replace the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) and is designed to enhance efficiency, security, and global acceptability of Nigeria’s emergency travel documentation.
She explained that the new emergency passport would be biometric-based and deployed through alternative, technology-driven platforms to ensure seamless service delivery.
“I’m looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re doing to ensure that we optimise our services, in terms of visas, passport production lines and our contactless solutions,” she said.
The NIS boss noted that the STEP is one of several technology-driven innovations being rolled out by the Service to improve operational efficiency and meet its constitutional mandate.
She also highlighted the recent introduction of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), describing it as a critical step towards seamless regional integration and secure cross-border movement within West Africa.
“We want to ensure that our processes are seamless. The STEP, which we are going to launch early next year, is another key programme that will further strengthen our service delivery,” Nandap added.
The Comptroller General charged the newly decorated officers to demonstrate heightened vigilance, professionalism, and integrity, particularly in light of Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
“Your decoration today symbolises the trust reposed in you and carries with it expectations of enhanced leadership, sound judgement, accountability and exemplary conduct,” she said.
Mrs Nandap stressed that officers at senior levels must combine professional competence with strong leadership qualities, including clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to mentor and inspire subordinates.
“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone and reflect the core values and reputation of this Service,” she warned.
She reaffirmed the Service’s zero tolerance for indolence and unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and place the interest of the NIS above personal considerations.