In a recent development, the Federal Government has issued a directive to allow Nigerians with expired passports to return to the country hassle-free for the upcoming yuletide festivities.
The directive, conveyed in a letter dated December 22, 2023, from the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Wura-Ola Adepoju, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, outlines the government’s commitment to facilitating the return of Nigerians in the diaspora.
The letter emphasizes that Nigerians can now be admitted into the country with their expired passports, a decision aimed at simplifying the process for citizens returning home. Airlines operating flights to Nigeria are also instructed to allow passengers with expired Nigerian passports to board without any hindrance.
To ensure widespread awareness, the letter advises all Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions to publicize this directive effectively. Additionally, the Federal Government has directed all entry/exit points to establish help desks specifically for Nigerians with expired passports. These individuals are further directed to passport offices, where their passports will be reissued within a maximum of two (2) weeks.
While the media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, could not confirm the receipt of the letter, a reliable source within the NIS confirmed that this policy is not new, as the Federal Government implemented a similar measure last year. Despite attempts to reach the NIS spokesperson for further confirmation, the provided phone number did not connect at the time of inquiry.
