Yuletide: FG permits Nigerians with expired Passport to return home

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved that Nigerians returning home can be admitted into the country with their expired Nigerian passports.

This is contained in a letter from the Comptroller-General of Immigration Service (CGIS) Isah Jere Idris, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and dated 9th December 2022.

“Consequently, all Airlines are requested to allow holders of expired Nigerian passports to board without let or hindrance.

“In addition, all Nigerian Diplomatic Missions abroad are kindly requested to circulate this information to airlines operators and border authorities of host countries for their necessary action,” the letter said in part.

All Head of Missions, Immigration attachés, airports comptrollers and airlines were copied in the letter, with reference number NIS/CGI/FD/208/20 and signed by DCI BM Lawal – a Special Assistant to the Comtroller-General of Immigration Service (Foreign Desk).

The CGIS had recently directed the immediate setting up of diaspora desks in all International airports in order to have a seamless passport process for all Nigerians coming home this yuletide period who may be desirous of processing their passports.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Anthony Akuneme (DCI), added that the CGIS had directed passport offices across the country to give priority attention to such citizens living outside the country and their families bearing in mind that most of them have a specific time of returning to their countries of residence.

“The CGIS affirmed the commitment of the Service to continue rendering effective and efficient service delivery to all Nigerians both at home and abroad, as well as non-Nigerians who are desirous of using any of the service windows,” the statement added.

The fast-track passport process for this yuletide season commenced a few weeks ago with the opening of passport offices on Saturday.

The NIS said this group of people have until 31st January 2023 to enjoy this service.

(Daily Trust)