Nigeria is poised to introduce a groundbreaking Single Travel Emergency Passport in January 2026, marking a significant stride towards a modern and citizen-centric immigration system. This innovative digital document, announced by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, during the launch of the ECOWAS Biometric ID Card in Abuja, is a critical component of a series of unprecedented reforms aimed at redefining Nigeria's identity management and passport administration landscape.

The Single Travel Emergency Passport is designed to offer crucial support to Nigerians abroad, particularly those who lose their passports in emergency situations. This digital solution will enable citizens to generate an emergency travel document directly from any mobile device, eliminating the need for a physical visit to an embassy or consulate. By removing the traditional bureaucratic hurdle of in-person appearance, this initiative promises to eradicate long-standing delays and exemplifies the government's commitment to efficiency and adherence to global standards. Dr. Tunji-Ojo hailed the initiative as a transformative step, emphasizing its reflection of the Federal Government's dedication to preserving the dignity of Nigerians globally. This digital passport also aligns seamlessly with the ongoing rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, which aims to facilitate secure and seamless travel across West Africa while bolstering the region's overall identity ecosystem. The Nigerian Immigration Service has clarified that the Single Travel Emergency Passport will replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate and will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates for single-entry purposes, perfectly integrating with broader reforms focused on enhancing border governance and meeting international migration expectations.

Beyond the upcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo's tenure at the Ministry of Interior has been lauded for several other remarkable achievements that have significantly restored public confidence in the Nigerian passport system. A cornerstone of these reforms was the historic clearance of massive passport backlogs, which had for years left thousands of Nigerians in a state of frustration and uncertainty. Through rapid implementation of technological upgrades, improvements in workflow systems, and enhanced coordination with passport offices nationwide, the ministry swiftly eliminated the backlog, re-establishing order and transparency in the process.

Equally commendable is the substantial reduction in processing times for new passport applications. Nigerians, who once faced interminable waits for their documents, now benefit from a more streamlined and predictable system. This improvement has been achieved through automation, better logistics, and efficient document handling, drastically shortening waiting periods. These enhanced services have also extended to diaspora communities, who have consistently expressed their gratitude for the renewed responsiveness of Nigerian passport desks abroad.

Central to these accomplishments is the robust partnership between the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service, under the astute leadership of Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nandap. Her professionalism, unwavering commitment to duty, and hands-on leadership style have been instrumental in the successful execution of these critical reforms. Under her guidance, the Service has readily adopted modern technology and reinforced operational discipline, ensuring that these policy reforms translate into tangible benefits for Nigerian citizens.

Both Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Comptroller General Kemi Nandap have emerged as symbols of a new Nigeria, where public service is driven by innovation and accountability. Their collective achievements resonate deeply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope Agenda,' which prioritizes the rebuilding of institutions, transformation of public administration, and restoration of trust in government operations. With the imminent launch of the Single Travel Emergency Passport, Nigeria stands on the precipice of a fully digitized identity and migration management system. This represents a bold and progressive leap, propelled by visionary leadership and executed with meticulous precision. As the Ministry of Interior continues its transformative journey, Nigerians, both at home and abroad, can look forward with renewed optimism, confident that the system is increasingly working in their favor.