The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a new, technologically advanced emergency travel document for Nigerian citizens abroad starting next year.
Biometric Upgrade for Emergency Travel
During a ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, revealed that the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) will be replaced by the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in 2026.
Nandap made the announcement while decorating 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration to Comptrollers of Immigration. She explained that the STEP programme represents part of broader service reforms aimed at optimising Nigeria's immigration processes.
Part of Broader Service Reforms
"I'm looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we're doing to ensure that we actually optimise our services," Nandap stated. She highlighted improvements across multiple areas including visa processing, passport production lines, and contactless solutions.
The new emergency passport will be biometric-based and offered through alternative channels, marking a significant technological upgrade from the current system. This initiative joins other innovations like the recently launched ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC).
Leadership and Security Imperatives
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Comptroller General emphasized that promotions in a disciplined service are "neither automatic nor solely a function of years in service." She stressed that advancement is earned through sustained dedication, professional competence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to duty.
Nandap charged the decorated comptrollers to demonstrate heightened vigilance and uncompromising professionalism, particularly given Nigeria's ongoing security challenges. "Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats," she warned.
The immigration chief paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his "visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security." She also acknowledged the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing strategic direction and strengthening the NIS's operational capacities.
Zero Tolerance for Unprofessional Conduct
Nandap reaffirmed that the NIS would "not tolerate any form of indolence or unprofessional conduct." She urged all officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and consistently prioritize the Service's interests above personal considerations.
To those not promoted during this round, the Comptroller General offered encouragement: "There is a time for everyone. Keep working hard, and your time will come." She also acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers' families, noting their patience and understanding as instrumental to professional success.
The introduction of the STEP in 2026 represents Nigeria's continued investment in modernizing its immigration systems and enhancing service delivery to citizens, both at home and in emergency situations abroad.
