Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, announced the initiative during the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, co-hosted by Nigeria and the Government of France.
According to Nandap, the STEP forms part of the Service’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening identity management, enhancing border governance, and aligning Nigeria’s migration framework with international best practices.
The high-level meeting brought together major migration stakeholders, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and representatives from several African and European countries.
Nandap explained that the STEP would serve as a secure and verifiable temporary travel document for Nigerians whose passports have expired, been lost, or stolen while abroad.
The document will be issued through designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and will permit a single entry into Nigeria.
“The forthcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) will enable Nigerians abroad to return home safely in a secure and verifiable manner,” she said, noting that the initiative reflects the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and stronger identity protection measures.
In her keynote address, titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses,” the Immigration chief also highlighted broader reforms targeted at combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
These measures include improved migration management systems, enhanced border control mechanisms, capacity development, and stronger international cooperation.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration partnerships, Nandap said the NIS would continue to align its policies and operations with international standards to promote safe, orderly and regular migration across borders.