Nigeria to launch Single Travel Emergency Passport 2026
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport starting January 2026, aimed at helping Nigerians abroad who lose their passports, a statement on Saturday by Kamorudeen Yusuf, Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President revealed.
According to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, this new system will enable citizens to “generate an emergency travel document from any mobile device,” eliminating the need to visit an embassy.
This innovation will replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate and will be valid for a single entry.
Issuance will be handled through designated Nigerian embassies and consulates.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to modernise immigration and identity management in Nigeria.
It complements the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, intended to enhance regional travel and strengthen border security.
Recent advancements include upgraded passport portals, contactless biometric passports in several countries, and a centralised passport personalisation system capable of issuing up to 5,000 passports daily to facilitate same-day issuance.
Yusuf highlighted these efforts as a stride toward “digital identity reforms” essential for Nigeria’s border management and citizen services modernisation.
