NIS Rolls Out Improved Passport Tracking System
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced an update to its passport tracking platform in a move aimed at addressing growing frustration among passport applicants over prolonged delays.
The announcement was made via a post on X on January 15, 2026, following sustained criticism from Nigerians who have taken to social media to highlight challenges with passport processing and collection.
New Passport Status Explained
As part of the upgrade, the NIS introduced an additional tracking status, “PRODUCED (PASSPORT PRODUCED, READY FOR COLLECTION)”, to its online passport tracking system.
The new status is meant to clearly indicate when a passport has been successfully produced and is available either for in-person pickup or courier delivery. According to the Service, this update is expected to reduce confusion around processing timelines and improve communication with applicants.
The NIS disclosed that the decision followed an internal review, which revealed that a significant number of passports had already been produced but were yet to be collected, fueling unnecessary complaints.
The enhanced tracker allows applicants to clearly distinguish between passports still in production and those already produced but awaiting collection or delivery,” the Service said.
Rising Public Frustration
The system update comes against the backdrop of intense public backlash, with many applicants reporting waiting periods of several months despite completing required payments and biometric enrolment.
Among the most vocal critics was investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who revealed that he waited over six months for a passport renewal after completing his application process in July 2025.
His post gained widespread attention, attracting thousands of engagements, and accused the authorities of inefficiency. He also criticised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alleging that promised reforms had failed to deliver meaningful results.
In its response, the NIS clarified that Soyombo’s passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery, adding that delays may sometimes stem from incomplete documentation or technical issues within the application system.
Bribery and Sabotage Allegations
Beyond complaints about delays, some applicants accused certain immigration officials of deliberately obstructing the process to solicit bribes.
One applicant claimed their passport application stalled for four months after declining to pay for expedited processing at the Abuja passport office. Others alleged that application statuses are intentionally left unchanged to pressure applicants into paying unofficial fees.
Although the NIS has not directly responded to these allegations, the Service reiterated its commitment to reforming passport operations and building a transparent, efficient system that aligns with international standards.
As scrutiny remains high, stakeholders say the success of the upgraded tracking feature could be crucial in restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s passport issuance process
