The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has announced new prices and dates for collection of the country’s new e-passport. The government agency also revealed new features of the document. The disclosure was made by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Sunday James, in Abuja on Monday.
The e-passport was officially launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on January 16.
Holders of the old international passport are encouraged to continue using it expires. But applicants will be issued the new version of the document. This means the old and new passports will concurrently so long they are valid until the new expires.
Merits of the new passports
James revealed that the new enhanced passport has new security features with options for 10-year validity. He said the new document is now more weather-friendly, compliant with new ICAO regulations, and less likely to be damaged easily due to its protective polycarbonate technology. Since applicants can apply for one online, they can easily track the progress of their application until the document is delivered to them; and they can visit express centres to physically fast-track the application.
Prices for the new passports
The price range for the epassports depends on their number of pages and length of use. The 32-page passport booklet valid for five years costs N25,000. The 64-page standard passport with five years of validity costs N35,000. And the 64-page booklet with 10-year validity costs N70,000.
Collection dates for the new passports
The NIS will begin issuing this epassport to applicants in Abuja as from March 4. It will be ready for applicants in Ikoyi Lagos from March 25 and Alausa Lagos from April 8. Those in Kano will begin to have it starting from April 1, and Nigerians in London can have it as from April 15. It will roll out in the United States (New York, Washington and Atlanta) on April 22 and at other places as from April 29.
“We urge Nigerians to take advantage of the reforms, avoid patronising third party or touts and utilise the online platforms provided by the service for their passport application,” James advised.