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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an upgraded passport tracking feature aimed at addressing delays in passport processing and collection.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the Service said the update responds to rising public complaints over prolonged processing times and large numbers of uncollected passports.
The enhanced tracker introduces a new status label—“Produced (Passport Produced, Ready for Collection)”—which allows applicants to clearly confirm when their passports are available for physical collection or ready for courier delivery. NIS said the change will reduce confusion and improve transparency across the processing stages.
According to the Service, the update strengthens the existing system by keeping applicants informed when passports have been produced but are awaiting collection or delivery.
The move follows criticism from several Nigerians, including investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who reported waiting six months for a passport renewal despite completing payment and biometric capture in July 2025. NIS later clarified that his passport had already been produced and was ready for delivery.
The Service added that delays sometimes arise from incomplete applications or technical issues on its platform.
Last year, NIS also raised passport fees to improve service delivery and document quality. The cost of a 32-page, five-year passport increased to ₦100,000, while a 64-page, 10-year passport now costs ₦200,000—representing a 100 percent increase and the second price hike within a year.
