FG to roll out single travel emergency passport for Nigerians abroad by January 2026

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to introduce the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January 2026 — a fully digital passport aimed at supporting Nigerians abroad who lose their travel documents.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the initiative on Friday in Abuja during the official launch of the ECOWAS Biometric ID Card. He explained that STEP will provide a faster, more efficient solution for Nigerians stranded overseas due to misplaced, stolen, or damaged passports.

According to the minister, the digital platform will make it possible for affected Nigerians to create an emergency travel document directly from their mobile devices, removing the need for a physical visit to any embassy.

“This initiative will enable Nigerians abroad who lose their passports to generate an emergency travel document using any mobile device without visiting an embassy,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He urged citizens to maintain confidence in government efforts to resolve national issues and encouraged collective backing for the administration’s ongoing security reforms.

The STEP system will operate alongside other digital identity upgrades, including the newly introduced ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), designed to ease regional travel and improve border integrity.

Earlier this month, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that STEP would replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate. The agency noted that the document will be issued at specific embassies and consulates and will only be valid for a single entry.

The Service added that the move is part of broader reforms to enhance border management, strengthen identity systems, and align Nigeria’s migration processes with global standards.