The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a new biometric emergency travel document, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), by 2026 as part of reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s immigration processes and strengthening border security.
Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the decoration of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to the rank of Comptrollers of Immigration.
According to Nandap, the proposed STEP will replace the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) and is designed to enhance efficiency, security, and global acceptability of Nigeria’s emergency travel documentation.
She explained that the new emergency passport would be biometric-based and deployed through alternative, technology-driven platforms to ensure seamless service delivery.
Read also: FG charges newly promoted immigration officers on vigilance, professionalism
“I’m looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re doing to ensure that we optimise our services, in terms of visas, passport production lines and our contactless solutions,” she said.
The NIS boss noted that the STEP is one of several technology-driven innovations being rolled out by the Service to improve operational efficiency and meet its constitutional mandate.
She also highlighted the recent introduction of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), describing it as a critical step towards seamless regional integration and secure cross-border movement within West Africa.
“We want to ensure that our processes are seamless. The STEP, which we are going to launch early next year, is another key programme that will further strengthen our service delivery,” Nandap added.
The Comptroller General charged the newly decorated officers to demonstrate heightened vigilance, professionalism, and integrity, particularly in light of Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
She reminded them that promotion within a disciplined service like the NIS is not automatic, but earned through consistent dedication, competence, integrity, and commitment to duty.
“Your decoration today symbolises the trust reposed in you and carries with it expectations of enhanced leadership, sound judgement, accountability and exemplary conduct,” she said.
Nandap stressed that officers at senior levels must combine professional competence with strong leadership qualities, including clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to mentor and inspire subordinates.
“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone and reflect the core values and reputation of this Service,” she warned.
She reaffirmed the Service’s zero tolerance for indolence and unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and place the interest of the NIS above personal considerations.
The Comptroller General paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she described as his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security,” noting that ongoing transformations within the NIS are driven by the administration’s resolve to strengthen security institutions.
She also acknowledged Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, for providing strategic direction and diligent oversight that continue to enhance the Service’s operational capacity.
Nandap recognised the presence of key stakeholders at the event as a demonstration of collective support for officers of the Service, and appreciated the families of the promoted officers for their sacrifices and support.
“Their patience, encouragement and understanding have been instrumental to your professional journey,” she said.
Addressing officers who were not promoted, the immigration chief encouraged them to remain focused and committed, assuring them that perseverance would be rewarded.
“There is a time for everyone. Keep working hard, and your time will come,” she said.
