The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has clarified that Nigerians living abroad can return to the country with expired passports and renew them after arriving in Nigeria.

The clarification is expected to provide relief to Nigerians in the diaspora whose passports have expired or are close to expiring, particularly those planning to travel home during the end-of-year period.

NIS explains passport renewal option

According to the NIS, Nigerians abroad do not necessarily need a valid passport to return to Nigeria. The service encouraged those travelling home during the December season to take advantage of their stay in the country to process their passport renewals.

The agency said the option could provide greater convenience for Nigerians whose passports may have expired before their planned trips.

Passport services in UK remain operational

The NIS also addressed concerns about passport services in the United Kingdom, assuring Nigerians that its ongoing passport intervention has not disrupted regular services at the Nigerian High Commission.

According to the agency, applicants whose appointments are due will continue to receive attention as scheduled.

The service spokesman, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, also confirmed that the contactless passport application platform remains fully operational.

The platform allows Nigerians to process eligible passport renewals remotely, providing an alternative to visiting a passport office in person.

The NIS urged Nigerians who require passport services to use the available channels and plan their applications accordingly.