The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced plans to roll out a new emergency passport, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), in 2026, replacing the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC).
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, disclosed this on Monday during the decoration of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to Comptrollers of Immigration in Abuja. She said the STEP initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at modernising the Service, improving efficiency, and enhancing security.
“I am looking forward to 2026 as a year of significant reforms, including improvements to our visa processes, passport production, and the introduction of contactless solutions.
“The STEP will be biometric-based and designed to provide secure and seamless emergency travel for Nigerians”, Nandap said.
She also highlighted other innovations, such as the recently launched ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), noting that these initiatives reflect the Service’s commitment to leveraging technology to serve citizens better.
Addressing the newly decorated officers, Nandap stressed the importance of vigilance, integrity, and professionalism, particularly given Nigeria’s security challenges. She reminded officers that promotions in a disciplined service are earned through dedication, competence, and commitment, rather than automatically or solely based on years of service.
The Comptroller General commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support for institutional reforms, as well as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing strategic guidance to strengthen the Service’s operations.
She emphasised that senior officers must demonstrate strong leadership, accountability, and exemplary conduct, noting that their actions set the tone for the reputation of the NIS. “Professional competence must be complemented by decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to inspire and mentor others”, Nandap said.
She also acknowledged the support of officers’ families, highlighting their role in enabling professional success, and encouraged those not promoted to remain committed, assuring them that their time for advancement will come.
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