Contactless Passport Renewal to Begin in Four Nigerian States by January – FG

The Federal Government has revealed plans to launch the contactless international passport renewal system in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Kano by January 2025. This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday.

Tunji-Ojo explained that while the initiative was initially scheduled for a December 2024 rollout, the government opted for a January launch to ensure a smoother implementation process. "The contactless passport renewal system is a game-changer for Nigerians both at home and abroad. We are taking a phased approach to avoid disruptions and ensure a seamless experience," he said.

The pilot phase, which has already commenced in Canada, will also be extended internationally by January to Nigerians in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and France. "By January, we will introduce this system to Nigerians in these countries, ensuring easier access to passport renewal services globally," Tunji-Ojo added.

Highlighting the rationale for the phased approach, the Minister drew from his background in technology management. "Launching such a significant project nationwide or globally at once could lead to system shock, undermining its benefits. We decided to start small, refine the system, and then scale up," he explained.

According to Tunji-Ojo, initial challenges encountered during the Canada rollout have been resolved, ensuring the system is now ready for expansion. "When we began in Canada, we had some technical hitches, but we’ve since updated the system and made continuous improvements. This careful planning is critical to the long-term success of this initiative," he noted.

The Minister expressed confidence in the contactless passport renewal system, calling it a historic achievement. "This project is a legacy of this administration—one that Nigerians will take pride in for years to come," Tunji-Ojo stated.

He also cautioned against rushing the process, emphasizing the importance of getting it right. "Frustration from a poorly executed rollout can derail even the best policies. That’s why we are adopting a measured and strategic implementation approach," he remarked.