The Federal Government has issued a strong rebuttal against circulating reports suggesting the shutdown of passport offices in Nigeria's South East region. In an official statement released on Saturday, February 7, 2026, authorities described these claims as false, misleading, and potentially inflammatory, capable of creating unnecessary tension among citizens.
NIS Confirms Nationwide Reform Program
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has categorically denied allegations that passport issuance has been halted in the South East geopolitical zone. Contrary to widespread speculation about equipment dismantling and service cessation, the Service confirmed that no passport office in the region has been closed or disqualified from operations.
According to the statement issued from Abuja, the ongoing changes in passport processing form part of a comprehensive nationwide reform program designed to modernize Nigeria's passport administration system. This initiative, which commenced in 2024, aims to strengthen passport integrity, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance service delivery for citizens both within Nigeria and abroad.
Centralized Production Framework Implementation
The reform centers on implementing a phased onboarding system that migrates passport offices, including those in Nigerian foreign missions, to a centralized production framework. This strategic shift represents a significant modernization effort that affects all regions equally, without targeting or excluding any specific geopolitical zone.
The NIS emphasized that the reforms are being implemented in carefully planned phases to ensure efficiency, security, and transparency in passport production nationwide. This systematic approach allows for continuous service delivery while transitioning to the new system.
Progress Across Regions and International Missions
The Immigration Service has reported substantial progress in implementing the new system across various regions. Several passport offices have already been successfully onboarded under the centralized framework, including locations in:
- North East states: Borno and Yobe
- North Central states: Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau
Additionally, thirty-five international passport stations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America have been integrated into the centralized production system. These milestones demonstrate the steady, equitable rollout of the reform program across both domestic regions and overseas missions.
South East Migration Schedule Confirmed
Addressing specific concerns about the South East region, the NIS confirmed that passport offices in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states are scheduled for migration to the centralized system within the first quarter of 2026. To ensure minimal disruption, the Service has established a strict work-plan calendar designed to facilitate smooth transitions while maintaining delivery timelines.
Five additional international stations in Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Austria are also part of the ongoing onboarding process, further demonstrating the global scope of the modernization initiative.
Call for Public Understanding and Support
The Nigeria Immigration Service has urged Nigerian citizens to disregard speculative narratives that could inflame public sentiment. Officials emphasized that the passport reform represents a long-term investment in efficiency, security, and institutional trust, requiring public understanding as the process continues nationwide.
The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to equitable service delivery and operational excellence in the overall national interest, the statement reaffirmed, highlighting the Service's dedication to maintaining consistent passport services across all regions during the transition period.
This clarification comes alongside positive news about Nigeria's global travel standing, with the country moving up to 89th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index from 94th in 2025. The improvement reflects ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria's international mobility and passport credibility through systematic administrative reforms.
