Applying for Passports in Nigeria

Nigerian citizens who like to travel outside of the country need Nigerian passports in order to do so. This travel document serves as their pass to entry points of different countries in the world. It is also the most basic requirement for traveling inside the African continent (In case you didn’t know Nigeria is listed no.10 on the list of the Top 10 countries with greatest oil reserves).

While traveling in a foreign country, you may be asked to present an identification card for verification. If you’ve forgotten to bring your ID, the passport is also a valid document. In fact, it is an official identification document.

Types Available

You may apply for a Nigerian passport at Nigerian embassies, consulates, and foreign affairs ministries. Currently, they offer three types of passports: the standard passport, the diplomatic passport and the official passport. The standard passport is for general purposes like traveling, sightseeing, studying, and visiting.

The Nigerian official passport is issued only to government officials who will be traveling to the country on an official government mission or work. The diplomatic passport is for members of the diplomatic community or their aides who will travel on diplomatic missions.

Requirements

To apply for a Nigerian passport, you will have to submit completed passport application form, passport-size photographs, proof of your Nigerian nationality like your birth certificate, official identification document like your school transcript of records, or any government ID, as well as the corresponding fee.

For the re-issuance of a passport, you have to submit the passport re-issuance application letter, application form, copy of valid resident permit, old or expired passport, passport photo, and undergo an interview.

Children who are under 16 years old must also have the application letter, application form, copy of birth certificate, copies of Nigerian passport of either parent, passport photo, and also undergo an interview.

If you have lost your passport, it can be replaced in around two to three weeks, provided you submit the following: passport photo, application letter for replacement of lost passport, completed application form, affidavit of loss, police extract, birth certificate, declaration of letter and age, marriage certificate, as well as a copy of your valid resident permit.

Additional Information

If you are applying for a Nigerian passport, it is better to directly apply at the ministry through the proper procedure and with complete requirements, instead of dealing privately with a staff member. There have been reported cases of Nigerian passport office staff members selling passports to foreigners. This may cause you much inconvenience. If you already got you passport, its time to travel and time to learn how to pack light.