The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a new feature to its passport tracking system to notify applicants when their passports are ready for collection.
The move, it said, is aimed at improving transparency and addressing public concerns over delays.
Naijaonpoint understands that the new addition, tagged “PRODUCED (Passport Produced, Ready for Collection)”, is designed to clearly inform applicants when their passports have been printed and are available either for physical pickup or courier delivery.
The Service said the update enhances the existing tracking system and allows applicants to better monitor timelines from application to final collection.
In a statement posted on its official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, the NIS said the initiative aligns with global best practices in passport administration.
“The new addition, tagged ‘PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)’, includes a feature informing applicants when their passports are ready for collection,” the Service said.
“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).
“Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to delivering an efficient system that works for all in line with global best practices.”
Naijaonpoint reports that the development comes amid public frustration over delays in passport processing, following a widely circulated post by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who shared his experience of waiting several months for his passport renewal.
Soyombo recounted that he applied for the renewal of his international passport and paid ₦109,700 through the NIS payment portal on July 31, 2025, but encountered repeated network challenges.
According to him, the passport tracking portal continued to display “passport pending production”, despite the passage of several months.
Reacting to the complaint, the NIS clarified that Soyombo’s passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery.
The Service explained that delays could sometimes occur due to factors such as incomplete applications, security vetting or technical issues within the processing system.
The Immigration Service also disclosed that it had produced over 1.3 million passports in 2025 alone, noting that efforts were ongoing to improve service delivery nationwide.
It further highlighted that Nigeria’s passport has recently improved its ranking on the Henley Passport Index, attributing the progress to reforms and operational upgrades within the Service.
The NIS said the new tracking feature is part of broader measures to restore public confidence and ensure a smoother, more predictable passport application process for Nigerians at home and abroad.