The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a major reform that is set to change the way stranded Nigerians abroad return home. The Service revealed its plan to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) — a special one-time travel document that will replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) currently issued by Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.
This move is part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s migration management, improve identity verification, and ensure that Nigerians stranded abroad can safely and conveniently travel back home without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
What Is the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP)?
The Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) is designed as a temporary travel document that allows Nigerians whose passports are lost, stolen, expired, or damaged while abroad to return home legally and securely.
Unlike the traditional Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC), which often faced challenges related to identity verification and misuse, the new STEP document will contain advanced security features and a verifiable biometric system to ensure authenticity.
The STEP is expected to be a single-entry document, meaning it can only be used for one trip into Nigeria and becomes invalid afterward.
Key Features of the New Emergency Passport
According to officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the STEP initiative introduces several improvements over the existing ETC framework:
| Feature | Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) | Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For temporary travel back to Nigeria | For emergency, single-entry travel back to Nigeria |
| Security Level | Basic verification | Enhanced biometric and data security |
| Validity | Varies (short-term) | Single-entry, expires after arrival |
| Availability | Nigerian embassies and consulates | Same, but with streamlined processing |
| Technology | Manual authentication | Digitally integrated with NIS systems |
This upgraded system ensures better identity management, helps prevent document forgery, and aligns with international best practices in border governance.
Why the NIS Is Introducing STEP
The NIS stated that the launch of STEP is part of its ongoing digital transformation and migration management reforms. The goal is to create a more secure and efficient framework that serves Nigerians abroad while improving the country’s image globally.
Many Nigerians living overseas have long complained about the difficulties of obtaining travel certificates when their passports are lost or expired. In several cases, applicants faced long processing times, limited embassy services, and verification hurdles that left them stranded.
With the introduction of STEP, the Immigration Service aims to:
- Reduce the waiting period for emergency travel documents.
- Strengthen the security of temporary travel permits.
- Ensure that all emergency travel data is linked directly to the central Nigerian passport database.
- Streamline the verification process at Nigerian ports of entry.
- Improve the overall experience of Nigerians in the diaspora.
NIS’s Broader Reform Agenda
The unveiling of the STEP initiative is part of the broader modernization plan being implemented by the NIS under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. Over the past year, the Service has introduced several digital systems aimed at enhancing identity management and border control.
These include:
- The adoption of e-Passport systems in Nigerian missions abroad.
- Introduction of automated border management technology.
- Deployment of biometric data integration for Nigerians in the diaspora.
- Collaboration with international agencies for improved migration tracking.
The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service emphasized that these reforms are crucial to ensuring Nigeria’s compliance with global migration standards while providing Nigerians abroad with convenient and reliable travel options during emergencies.
Announcement Made at an International Forum
The official announcement was made during a high-level migration meeting jointly hosted by Nigeria and France. The meeting brought together stakeholders from across Africa and Europe, including representatives of:
- The Khartoum Process
- The Rabat Process
- The Niamey Process
- The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)
- The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
- ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the European Union (EU)
During the session, delegates commended Nigeria for its commitment to improving migration governance and offering practical solutions for citizens in distress abroad.
Benefits to Nigerians Abroad
The STEP document will provide a significant relief for many Nigerians who find themselves stranded abroad due to lost or expired passports. Key benefits include:
- Quick access to emergency travel documentation.
- Reduced risk of identity theft and forgery.
- Digitally verifiable identity details for faster clearance at airports.
- Improved coordination between NIS, embassies, and border agencies.
- Seamless reintegration process upon arrival in Nigeria.
This initiative also reinforces Nigeria’s dedication to protecting its citizens abroad, particularly in times of distress or emergency.
When Will the STEP Be Available?
While the NIS has not yet announced a specific rollout date, insiders indicate that implementation will begin gradually at major Nigerian embassies and consulates in key countries before expanding globally.
Embassies will receive upgraded biometric equipment and training for officers to ensure a smooth and transparent issuance process.
Once launched, applicants will likely need to:
- Visit the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
- Present proof of identity (e.g., expired passport, National ID, or birth certificate).
- Provide a police report for lost or stolen passports.
- Complete biometric capture and pay a processing fee.
- Receive the STEP document for single-entry travel back to Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Expectations
Nigerians at home and abroad have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-overdue reform. Many Nigerians in the diaspora have faced serious travel disruptions due to limited passport renewal facilities, and the new STEP is seen as a game-changer.
Migration experts have also applauded the NIS for aligning with global standards, saying the STEP will not only ease mobility but also enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility.
