How to Obtain Nigerian Passport: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a Nigerian citizen, obtaining a Nigerian passport is a crucial document that allows you to travel internationally. Whether it's for business or pleasure, a Nigerian passport is an essential requirement that grants you access to several countries globally. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining a Nigerian passport, including the requirements, application process, and fees.

What are the Requirements for Obtaining a Nigerian Passport?

Before applying for a Nigerian passport, you need to meet certain requirements. Here are the documents you need to provide:

Old passport: If you have an old passport, you need to provide it. However, if it's your first time applying for a passport, this requirement is not necessary.
Birth certificate or age declaration: You need to provide a birth certificate or age declaration from a competent court of law to prove your identity and citizenship.
Two passport photographs: You need to provide two recent passport photographs that meet the passport photo criteria.
Completed application form: You need to complete the Nigerian passport application form, which can be obtained online or at the passport office.
Payment receipt: You need to provide a payment receipt for the passport fee.

How to Apply for a Nigerian Passport

Once you've gathered all the necessary documents, follow these steps to apply for a Nigerian passport:

Visit the Nigerian Immigration portal and create an account.
Fill in your personal information and upload your passport photograph.
Choose the type of passport you want to apply for and pay the required fee.
Choose the processing center and book an appointment.
Visit the processing center on the scheduled date and time with all the required documents.
Submit your application form and documents to the immigration officer.
Collect your passport on the scheduled date.

Types of Nigerian Passport

There are three types of Nigerian passport, each with a different validity period and processing time. They are:

Standard e-passport: This type of passport is valid for five years and can be processed within 48 hours.
Official e-passport: This type of passport is issued to government officials and diplomats and is valid for five years.
Diplomatic e-passport: This type of passport is issued to diplomats and top-ranking government officials and is valid for five years.

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain a Nigerian Passport?

The cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport depends on the type of passport and processing time. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Standard e-passport: ₦25,000 for 32 pages and ₦35,000 for 64 pages.
Official e-passport: ₦15,000 for 32 pages and ₦20,000 for 64 pages.
Diplomatic e-passport: ₦70,000 for 64 pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to obtain a Nigerian passport?
It takes between 24 to 72 hours to process a Nigerian passport depending on the type of passport.
Is it mandatory to have a birth certificate to obtain a Nigerian passport?
Yes, a birth certificate is necessary to obtain a Nigerian passport.
Can I apply for a Nigerian passport from any location?
Yes, you can apply for a Nigerian passport from anywhere in the world through the Nigerian Immigration portal.
Can I renew my Nigerian passport?
Yes, you can renew your Nigerian passport provided that it has not expired.
Can a Nigerian passport holder travel to any country without a visa?
No, a Nigerian passport holder needs a visa to travel to most countries. However, there are a few countries that grant visa-free access to Nigerian passport holders.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Nigerian passport is a straightforward process that requires you to provide the necessary documents and follow the application process. With this guide, we hope that you have a better understanding of the requirements, application process, and fees involved in obtaining a Nigerian passport. If you have any questions or require assistance, please reach out to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further guidance. Safe travels!