The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has assured Nigerians living abroad that they can return to the country with their expired Nigerian passports and renew the documents after arriving in Nigeria.
The clarification comes as Nigerians in the diaspora begin making plans for end-of-year visits, with the immigration authorities saying those whose passports have expired do not necessarily have to wait for renewal abroad before travelling home.
The NIS said Nigerians planning to return during the December travel season could use the opportunity to process their passport renewals while in the country.
The Service explained that the arrangement was intended to make the process more convenient for citizens who may be facing delays or challenges accessing passport services in their countries of residence.
According to the immigration authorities, Nigerians returning home with expired passports can commence the renewal process after their arrival and obtain new travel documents through the appropriate passport channels.
The development is expected to provide relief for members of the Nigerian diaspora who may otherwise be concerned about returning home because of an expired passport.
The NIS, however, also provided an update on passport services in the United Kingdom, where it said an ongoing passport intervention had not disrupted normal operations at the Nigerian High Commission.
It said applicants with scheduled appointments were still being attended to according to their appointment dates.
The clarification is particularly relevant to Nigerians in the UK and other countries who have experienced difficulties or longer waiting periods in accessing passport services.
The Service has in recent years introduced a number of reforms aimed at improving passport application and renewal processes, including digital services and measures designed to reduce delays and limit the role of intermediaries.
For Nigerians abroad planning to return home, the NIS position means that an expired Nigerian passport should not automatically prevent them from making arrangements to return to Nigeria.
Travellers are nevertheless expected to comply with airline and transit-country requirements applicable to their particular journey, especially where their itinerary involves transit through another country.
The latest clarification also underscores the importance of Nigerians checking their passport validity well ahead of international travel and making appropriate renewal arrangements where possible.
For those already facing an expired document, the NIS said returning to Nigeria and completing the renewal process locally remains an available option.
The Service encouraged Nigerians to make use of official passport channels and avoid relying on unofficial agents or intermediaries when processing their documents.
The announcement is coming as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve passport administration and make immigration services more accessible to Nigerians at home and abroad.
The NIS maintained that its objective was to ensure that Nigerians could access necessary immigration services without unnecessary difficulty while strengthening the efficiency of the country’s passport system.
