How To Obtain Nigeria Passport

How to Obtain Nigeria Passport: A Comprehensive Guide

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a population of over 200 million people. As a Nigerian citizen, one of the most important documents you should possess is a passport. A passport is a legal document that serves as proof of identity, nationality and enables international travel. In this article, we will explore how to obtain a Nigerian passport, the requirements, and the application process.

Types of Nigerian Passport

There are two types of Nigerian passports:

1. Standard passport (32 pages): This passport is issued to Nigerian citizens who wish to travel for personal or business reasons. It is valid for five years and can be renewed for an additional five years.

2. Official passport (64 pages): This passport is issued to government officials or employees on official duty outside Nigeria. It is valid for two years and can also be renewed for an additional two years.

Requirements for Obtaining a Nigerian Passport

Before applying for a Nigerian passport, you need to meet the following requirements:

1. You must be a Nigerian citizen or have dual citizenship.

2. You must be at least 18 years old.

3. You must provide proof of identity, such as a National Identity Card, Driver's License, or International Passport (if available).

4. You must provide a birth certificate, affidavit of age declaration, or court affidavit.

5. You must provide two passport photographs.

6. You must provide evidence of payment of passport application fee.

7. You must provide two guarantors who are Nigerian citizens, one of whom must be a public servant or a recognized professional.

How to Apply for a Nigerian Passport

The application process for a Nigerian passport is straightforward. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) official website at www.immigration.gov.ng.

2. Click on the e-Passport link on the homepage.

3. Select the type of passport you want to apply for (Standard or Official).

4. Fill out the online application form.

5. Upload the required documents, including your passport photographs.

6. Make payment for the passport application fee.

7. Submit your application online.

8. Print out your application confirmation page and payment receipt.

9. Book an appointment for biometric data capture at any NIS passport office.

10. Show up for your appointment with your printed application confirmation page, payment receipt, and original copies of your documents.

11. Submit your documents, have your biometric data captured, and wait for your passport to be processed.

Passport Application Fees

The cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport varies depending on the type of passport and the processing time. The fees are as follows:

1. Standard Passport:

• 32 pages: N25,000 (Regular – 6 weeks), N35,000 (Expedited – 2 weeks)
• 64 pages: N35,000 (Regular – 6 weeks), N45,000 (Expedited – 2 weeks)

2. Official Passport:

• 64 pages: N70,000 (Regular – 6 weeks), N84,000 (Expedited – 2 weeks)

Validity and Renewal of Nigerian Passport

The validity of a Nigerian passport is five years for a standard passport and two years for an official passport. You can renew your Nigerian passport before it expires by following the same application process as a first-time applicant. However, you will need to provide your old passport and proof of payment of the renewal fee.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Nigerian passport is an important process that requires careful attention to detail. With the above steps and requirements, you can obtain a passport with ease. Ensure you provide all the necessary documents and follow the application process correctly to avoid delays or rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to process a Nigerian passport application?

   • The processing time for a Nigerian passport application is six weeks for a standard passport and two weeks for an expedited service.

2. Can I apply for a Nigerian passport outside Nigeria?

   • Yes, you can apply for a Nigerian passport at any Nigerian embassy or consulate abroad.

3. Can I apply for a Nigerian passport if I have dual citizenship?

   • Yes, as long as you can provide proof of Nigerian citizenship.

4. Can I change the name on my Nigerian passport?

   • Yes, you can change the name on your Nigerian passport if you have legally changed your name. You will need to provide a court affidavit or deed poll as evidence.

5. Can I travel without a Nigerian passport?

   • No, as a Nigerian citizen, you need a Nigerian passport to travel internationally.