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The Nigerian Government has announced plans to introduce the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January 2026 as a digital solution to assist Nigerians abroad who lose their passports.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the launch of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. He explained that the new system would enable Nigerians overseas to generate an emergency travel document using a mobile phone or other digital device, without the need to physically visit a Nigerian embassy or consulate.
Describing the initiative as a major step forward in service delivery, the minister said STEP would provide a fast and convenient way for citizens stranded abroad to obtain temporary travel documentation. He also called on Nigerians to remain confident in the government’s efforts to strengthen national systems and urged public support for ongoing security and identity reforms.
The digital passport is expected to work alongside other identity-focused projects, including the recently launched ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, which is designed to enhance movement within West Africa while improving regional border management and security cooperation.
Earlier in the month, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) confirmed that the Single Travel Emergency Passport would replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate. The agency explained that the document would be issued through designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and would be valid for a single journey into Nigeria.
According to the Service, STEP is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at improving identity management, strengthening border governance and aligning Nigeria’s immigration processes with international best practice.
In recent months, the NIS has introduced several digital reforms to modernise passport services. In January 2025, the Service upgraded its passport application portal to improve processing for applicants within Nigeria. It also rolled out a contactless biometric passport application system for Nigerians abroad, beginning with countries including the United States, Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico.
The government has said that more than 3.5 million passports were issued within a period of under two years following the reforms. Enhanced passport centres have also been expanded across the country, while all newly issued passports are now harmonised and compliant with global travel standards.
Further reforms include the launch of an online platform for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, which allows foreign nationals to apply digitally for legal residence and work permits in Nigeria. In addition, a centralised passport personalisation system introduced in September 2025 is now capable of producing up to 5,000 passports daily, a dramatic improvement from the previous output of a few hundred, enabling applicants to receive passports within hours rather than days.
