November 5, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) for Nigerians abroad who need to return home but are unable to travel due to expired, lost, or stolen passports.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, made the announcement in Abuja during the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, which was co-hosted by Nigeria and the Government of France. The meeting focused on migration governance, identity verification, and border security cooperation among member states.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, explained that the STEP will replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC), which is presently issued to stranded Nigerians seeking to return home. He noted that the new document will feature biometric components that allow for identity verification and data integrity across border control systems.
According to the Comptroller-General, the introduction of STEP is part of broader reforms at the NIS aimed at strengthening national identity management infrastructure and improving compliance with global border governance standards. She added that the new system is expected to reduce identity fraud, enhance passenger processing, and support safer repatriation procedures.
Nandap also said the Service is working with Nigerian diplomatic missions, relevant ministries, and international partners to ensure a smooth transition from the ETC to the STEP. She stated that further implementation details, including timelines and application procedures, will be made public after the completion of administrative arrangements.
