Nigeria Immigration Service Enhances Passport Tracking with New Notification Feature

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a significant upgrade to its passport application tracking system, introducing a new notification feature designed to inform applicants the moment their documents are ready.

The new update, labelled “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”, is intended to provide clearer, real-time status updates. According to the NIS, the enhancement will specifically notify applicants when their passport is ready for physical collection or, in cases of courier delivery, when it has been produced but is awaiting dispatch.

In a statement released on its official social media platform on Thursday, the NIS stated the move aims to keep applicants better informed about processing timelines and to improve the overall efficiency of the passport issuance system. “This update enhances the existing tracking system,” the Service said, reaffirming its commitment to “delivering an efficient system that works for all in line with global best practices.”

This system overhaul comes amid ongoing public concern over processing delays. The issue was recently highlighted by journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who detailed a months-long wait for his passport renewal, with his portal status stuck on “passport pending production” since his application and payment in July 2025.

Responding to the specific case, the NIS clarified that Mr. Soyombo’s passport had in fact been produced and was ready for delivery.

The Service acknowledged that while occasional delays can occur due to factors like incomplete applications or technical issues, it continues to process a high volume of passports, having produced over 1.3 million documents in 2025.