Do you need a Nigerian passport urgently? Are you traveling soon and don’t have time to wait for the regular passport processing time? If yes, then this post is for you. In this post, I will show you how to get a Nigerian passport in 24 hours, where to go, what to do, and how much it will cost you.
What is the Express Passport Processing Center?
The Express Passport Processing Center is a special service offered by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to cater to applicants who are in need of passports within the shortest possible time. The center is located at the NIS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can issue passports within three days or even 24 hours, depending on the applicant’s preference.
How to Access the Express Passport Processing Center?
To access the express passport processing center, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the NIS official website at www.immigration.gov.ng and fill out the online passport application form. Choose the “Express/Special Intervention” option as your service type and select the “Abuja Headquarters” as your preferred passport office.
- Make an online payment of N20,000 for the express booklet or N30,000 for the 24 hours booklet. You will also need to pay additional fees for online payment, address verification, and NIN verification.
- Print out your application confirmation page and payment receipt. You will also receive an email with your application ID and reference number.
- Visit the express passport processing center at the NIS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, with your printed documents and other required documents. You can find the list of required documents on the NIS website or here.
- Submit your application and documents to the designated officer and wait for your biometric data capture and interview.
- Collect your passport booklet after it is ready. You will be notified by SMS or email when your passport is ready for collection.
Tips and Cautions for Applicants
Here are some tips and cautions for applicants who want to use the express passport processing center:
- Apply well in advance of your travel date. Although the center claims to issue passports within 24 hours, there may be delays or unforeseen circumstances that could affect the processing time. It is better to be safe than sorry.
- Be prepared to pay extra fees. The official prices for the express booklets are N20,000 and N30,000, but you may encounter some unofficial charges or bribes from some officers or agents. You may also need to pay for transportation, accommodation, and other expenses if you are traveling from another state or city to Abuja.
- Be careful of scammers and touts. There are many people who may try to take advantage of your urgency and offer you fake or stolen passports, or promise to expedite your application for a fee. Do not fall for their tricks and only deal with the authorized officers at the center.
- Check the validity and accuracy of your passport. Before you leave the center, make sure to check the validity and accuracy of your passport. Ensure that your personal details, photo, and signature are correct and match your documents. Also, check the expiry date and number of pages of your passport. If you find any errors or defects, report them immediately and request for a correction or replacement.
wrapping up
Getting a Nigerian passport in 24 hours is possible, but it is not easy or cheap. You need to apply online, pay the fees, visit the express passport processing center in Abuja, and submit your documents and biometrics. You also need to be aware of the risks and challenges involved, such as delays, extra fees, scammers, and errors. However, if you are in a hurry and have no other option, this service may be a lifesaver for you.
I hope this post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy traveling!