NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has released an updated step-by-step guide to help Nigerians living abroad renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment. The Service announced the update on its official X account, encouraging eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the digital platform, which simplifies passport renewal and reduces administrative barriers. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to digitise passport services, reduce processing delays, and improve access for Nigerians in the diaspora. Since its launch, the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System has successfully processed and issued over 15,000 passports to Nigerians abroad.

Application Process

According to the NIS, applicants are required to follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal

2. Click “Continue” from the pop-up window

3. Select “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue”

4. Create an account and verify identity using National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth

5. Complete the application form and choose the preferred Nigerian embassy or high commission for processing

6. Upload all required supporting documents

7. Pay the passport booklet fee

8. Obtain the Application ID and Reference Number

9. Select the “Contactless” option under the “Application Status/Book Appointment” section

10. Review the instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In”

11. Download the NIS Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store

12. Sign in or create a profile on the app

13. Select “Passport Application Services” , then “Passport Biometrics Enrolment”

14. Enter the Application ID and Reference Number to check eligibility

15. If eligible, proceed with facial image capture, fingerprint enrolment, and liveness verification

16. Pay the contactless enrolment fee and submit biometric data electronically

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Eligibility and Exceptions

The contactless option is not available to all applicants. The NIS clarified that applicants who are declared ineligible during verification will be required to return to the application portal and schedule a physical appointment at their chosen embassy or high commission. According to the Service, an “INELIGIBLE” response means the applicant must complete the remaining process in person at the designated diplomatic mission. Those eligible for contactless renewal include Nigerians between 18 and 60 years, applicants with not more than six months to the expiration of their current passports, and those applying for re-issuance of existing passports.

Supporting Documents Still Required

Applicants who successfully complete remote biometric enrolment must still send the required documents to their selected processing mission. These include the printed application form, passport booklet payment receipt, biometric enrolment payment receipt, current passport, and a self-addressed return envelope.

Application Tracking

The NIS added that applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the online tracking platform at https://track.immigration.gov.ng or via the NIS Mobile App.

Technical Support

The NIS has acknowledged recent technical challenges encountered by some Nigerians in the diaspora while using the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System, assuring the public that its technical team is actively working to resolve these issues. Applicants who do not receive their payment One-Time Password (OTP) are advised to check their spam folders. For further assistance, applicants can reach the NIS Support Team through the following channels:

• In-App Chat: Select “Support” → “Chat with Us”

• Email: support@immigration.gov.ng

• X (Twitter): @nigimmigration

• Instagram: @nigimmigration, @nis_response

• Facebook: @nigimmigration, @nis-response

• Contact Center Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

A two-storey building under construction on Sultan Road in Kano State collapsed on Friday morning, July 10, 2026, resulting in one fatality and four injuries. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state, trapping five people beneath the debris. Emergency responders, neighbours, and passersby quickly mobilised to rescue victims trapped beneath the rubble, with the community’s swift response playing a crucial role in saving lives.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) , Isyaku Abdullahi Kubaraci, one of the rescued victims died from injuries sustained in the collapse. “Fortunately, four people survived, and only had one casualty. We have handed over the body of the deceased to his family members. I have to commend the neighbours and passersby who assisted in the rescue operation, and we send our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he stated. The four survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Hospital in Kano for medical treatment, where they are currently receiving care.

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Construction workers at the site noticed warning signs of structural failure while work was ongoing on the upper floor. One worker, Aliyu Ibrahim Baba, recounted the harrowing events: “I had just arrived and was eating my breakfast before I began work. I heard a noise and went upstairs to check. I saw the caretaker wetting the part of the building we worked on yesterday, so I left and continued eating.” He continued: “Suddenly, sand particles started raining down on me and entered my eyes. One of my co-workers went to check on the caretaker upstairs. There were three people at the door when the building suddenly gave way. We barely managed to run out, but five people were trapped under the rubble. They have all been rescued and taken to the hospital.” Another construction worker, Shuaibu Yaro, confirmed that those trapped included a security guard and a commercial tricycle rider, both of whom were among the rescued survivors.

Baba credited the swift response of residents for saving lives: “People rushed to help us even before the fire service arrived, and that made a huge difference in getting the victims out alive.” Authorities are yet to determine the official cause of the building collapse, though investigations are expected to commence. The incident has once again raised concerns about construction safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Kano State, with many calling for stricter oversight of building projects to prevent future tragedies. Rescue operations at the site have since concluded, with all victims accounted for, as the community mourns the loss of one life while expressing relief that four others survived.

Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

An Imo State High Court has sentenced Samuel Ehirim, a 42-year-old pastor, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a minor who lived under his care. The judgment was delivered by Justice C.O. Chukwumaeze, who held that the prosecution proved its case “beyond reasonable doubt” and established the defendant’s guilt through credible and consistent evidence. The case has been hailed as a landmark ruling in the enforcement of child protection laws in Imo State, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

Ehirim was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on sexual assault, assault with intent to commit an unnatural offence, indecent treatment of a girl under the age of 13, and assault, contrary to the provisions of the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law No. 8 of 2021 and the Criminal Code. In her judgment, Justice Chukwumaeze said the evidence before the court “overwhelmingly” showed that Ehirim committed the offences. The judge held that the defence failed to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses or create any reasonable doubt during the trial, noting that the testimonies of the victim and other witnesses were consistent and credible.

Samuel Ehirim

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The court further found that the victim, who had been living with the convict, was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of time. The judge noted that the pastor had abused his position of trust and authority, preying on a vulnerable child who had been placed under his care. Although defence counsel S.E. Ibechem, who held the brief of D.O. Agbo, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, the judge convicted Ehirim on all five counts and handed down a life sentence, stating that the severity of the offences demanded the maximum penalty permitted by law.

Speaking after the judgment, Ikenna Obi, counsel to the Imo State Ministry of Justice, described the conviction as a significant milestone in the enforcement of the state’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law. Obi said the ruling demonstrated the state’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence, and should serve as a strong warning to perpetrators of such crimes. The prosecutor also commended the court for its firm stance, expressing confidence that the decision would strengthen ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in the state, while also encouraging more victims to come forward and report abuse without fear of stigma or retaliation. The case reinforces the state’s resolve that no one, regardless of position or title, is above the law when it comes to the protection of children.

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him