Applying for a Nigerian passport is easier than ever. With internet connectivity and a capable device, you can apply from anywhere, anytime, with the Federal Government’s online application platform.
With this contemporary method, you can monitor the status of your application and get updates on the delivery of your passport, in addition to avoiding lengthy lines and multiple trips to the immigration office.
According to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the new method simplifies the process and charges ₦35,000 for a 32-page passport with five-year validity and ₦70,000 for a 64-page passport with ten-year validity for Nigerian applicants. The alternatives cost $130 and $230 for foreigners.
The biometrics capture and passport pickup processes may require you to visit the immigration office. Good, right?
Read also: Online Nigerian passport registration saves money
What does a Nigerian passport cost?
The Ministry’s 2024 approved fresh application rates are:
For Nigerians in the country
₦35,000 for 32 pages (5-year validity)
₦70,000 for 64 pages (10-year validity)
For Nigerians in Diaspora
$130 for 32 pages (5-year validity)
64-page $230 (10-year validity)
Nigerian passport application: first-time
Visa-on-arrival destinations worldwide are accessible with a passport. First-time Nigerian passport applicants should complete these steps:
Step 1
Visit the application portal at passport.immigration.gov.ng. You’ll get a pop-up that lets you choose if you’re applying from Nigeria or outside its borders.
Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport” (for new applicants).
Step 2
Then, enter and verify your NIN, date of birth, and the 4-digit Captcha in the fields given.
If your network is reliable and your NIN is valid, your data will look like this. If not, an error notice appears.
Step 3
Choose the passport booklet type and processing agency for your state of residency. Check appointment availability for your chosen centre here.
You must choose a 32-page or 64-page passport booklet for a 5- or 10-year validity at this step.
The cost depends on whether you get a 32- or 64-page passport booklet.
Note: A ₦1,000 service charge will be charged to your account, along with the passport fee.
The page’s upper right corner will display a reference number during each phase. Protect the reference number. To track your Nigerian passport application or production, you need it.
Step 4
Next, upload your photo. Images must be over 600×800 pixels and require a white backdrop. No other background colours are allowed. Check out some sample photos to learn the rules.
Upload your photo to remove—bg or Canva to add a white background if you don’t have any.
Step 5
You’ll be required to enter your personal information, including your marital status, occupation, and email address. Note that your name, date of birth, state of origin, and sex cannot be edited. For any corrections in these fields, you must contact the NIMC.
Step 6
Fill in your contact information in the fields provided. It includes your address, local government area (LGA), email address, place of birth, postal code, phone number, and the like.
Step 7
Enter your next-of-kin details here—personal information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Step 8
You’re almost done at this point. You need to upload supporting documents, then. The two important are the Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission or court-issued Declaration of Age, along with your Local Government Certificate of Origin.
Step 9
Confirm the authenticity and readability of provided documents, make payment, and reserve a biometrics capture date.
Step 10
Proceed to book an appointment in the immigration office nearest to you and print out the appointment slip.
Check “I now confirm that all the documents I have provided are genuine & properly readable.”
Use the reference number generated before to track passport production status.
After applying online and paying, print the application form, payment receipt, and guarantor’s form.
Final steps for the Nigerian passport online application
After you’ve done all these, you will want to collate all the documents needed and prepare for your capture using the following documents below:
Appointment slip
Application form
Payment Receipt
Birth Certificate
State of Origin Certificate
NIN slip
Guarantor’s form and passport