Nigerians in the United Kingdom have praised the federal government’s contactless passport renewal initiative, saying it has ended years of frustrating delays that once forced applicants to wait months and travel long distances.
The diaspora community said the digital system, introduced by the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service, has cut processing time from more than six months to between five days and two weeks, allowing Nigerians abroad to renew from home and receive passports by mail.
First launched in Canada and later extended to the UK and other countries, the system lets eligible citizens submit applications and biometrics remotely through a mobile app, removing the need to appear physically at Nigerian missions.
Birmingham community leader Timileyin Gbenga, who used both systems, called the difference “night and day.” He recalled travelling to the High Commission in London for biometrics and waiting more than six months, compared with under two weeks using the new process for a family member. He credited the reforms to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo under President Bola Tinubu.
UK based Nigerian Gbenga Ogunderu said the initiative marked a shift from an outdated analogue system to a technology driven model, noting he received his passport within two weeks.
Dr. Adekunle Shonola, a senior lecturer in artificial intelligence at Coventry University and president of Nigerians in Coventry, said community members now received passports within a week, adding that Nigeria’s process had reached parity with advanced countries.
Royal Mail automation engineer Rufus Idowu said some members collected passports within five days, processing everything from their rooms. Coventry resident Ahmed Oyelade said reports from friends and relatives indicated widespread satisfaction, adding that the reforms had restored confidence in public service delivery.
Since assuming office, Tunji-Ojo has pursued an ambitious reform programme modernising Nigeria’s immigration and civil registration systems through digitisation, including an enhanced e-passport regime, automation of applications, clearance of backlogs and contactless renewals. Diaspora Nigerians urged the government to sustain the momentum and ensure uniform implementation for all citizens.
