Nigerians living in the Diaspora have renewed calls for urgent and comprehensive government intervention to resolve long-standing difficulties associated with obtaining National Identification Numbers (NIN), and Nigerian passports abroad.
Despite various reforms introduced by the government in recent years, many Nigerians overseas say the challenges have persisted — and in some countries, worsened — creating significant disruptions in their daily lives.
The demand was made by three prominent Diaspora groups: the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption (IAHRAC), Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and the Nigeria Business Forum, Switzerland.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the groups urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to take decisive action to address the mounting delays affecting both NIN and passport processing.
The statement was signed by Okoro Akinyemi of IAHRAC, Lewis Ehiwario of Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and Dozie Ugochokwu of the Nigeria Business Forum, Switzerland.
A Report Rooted in Extensive Diaspora Consultations
According to the organisations, their renewed call follows the release of a detailed report in Abuja, which documented the challenges Nigerians abroad face in accessing essential identification and travel documents. The report is the result of a strategic meeting and a broad cross-country survey conducted among Nigerians living in Europe and North America.
The groups explained that the exercise was designed to identify recurring obstacles and document shared experiences across different countries.
Their findings were alarming:
“Nigerians abroad frequently face prolonged delays and additional travel burdens while trying to obtain or verify their NIN. Many applicants reported systemic obstacles that make timely processing extremely difficult,” the statement said.
Persistent Delays, High Costs, and Systemic Inefficiencies
The report highlights that Nigerians overseas face challenges such as:
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Prolonged waiting periods – for passport issuance or renewal.
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Difficulty verifying or correcting NIN records, – which often stalls passport applications.
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Long-distance travel – to embassies or consulates due to limited service locations.
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Overreliance on third-party agents, – resulting in inconsistent procedures and inflated fees.
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Unpredictable processing timelines, – which disrupt work, travel, and legal residency obligations.
The organisations noted that many Nigerians feel trapped in bureaucratic cycles that force them to travel multiple times, endure long queues, or pay steep fees without guarantees of timely processing.
Call for Full Digitalisation and Modernisation
The groups strongly advocated for urgent digitalisation and modernisation of the NIN and passport systems, arguing that the current frameworks are outdated and incapable of supporting Nigeria’s growing Diaspora population.
They emphasised the need for:
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Improved funding for foreign missions
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Upgraded equipment and digital infrastructure
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Increased staffing to address the rising demand
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Clearer immigration guidelines and procedural consistency
They also stressed that Nigerians abroad should be able to access both NIN and passport services simultaneously at embassies, as this would significantly reduce stress, duplication, and logistical burdens.
“Embassies require strengthened digital infrastructure capable of managing increased service demand and expanded responsibilities,” the groups stated.
Concerns Over the Current NIN Registration Model
A key part of the report focused on the shortcomings of the current NIN registration model abroad. The groups warned that the system’s heavy dependence on private agents and external vendors has created an environment ripe for irregularities.
They cited findings from their Diaspora-wide survey:
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Inconsistent procedures by private agents
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High and often irregular fees
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Unpredictable processing timelines
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Weak oversight, creating opportunities for exploitation
“Overreliance on private agents has resulted in inconsistent procedures, high fees, and widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians seeking reliable identification services abroad,” the report noted.
To address this, the groups called for a secure, fully digitalised NIN system accessible globally without intermediaries.
Direct Handling by Missions and Mobile Registration Units
In addition to digital reforms, the Diaspora groups recommended a structural overhaul of how services are administered abroad. They urged the government to empower Nigerian embassies and consulates to directly handle both NIN and passport services, eliminating the need for external agents.
They further proposed the creation of mobile NIN and passport registration units across major global cities — especially where Nigerian populations are dense — to reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming travel.
A Call the Government Can No Longer Ignore
For millions of Nigerians abroad, access to accurate NIN records and valid passports is not optional. These documents are essential for work, travel, banking, residency, and even family life. The recurring delays and systemic inefficiencies have left many feeling abandoned by institutions that should protect their rights and ease their access to essential services.
The latest report and joint statement underscore an urgent message: without meaningful reforms, Nigerians abroad will continue to suffer undue hardship.
By investing in modern digital systems, strengthening foreign missions, and ensuring transparency and accountability, the government can restore confidence and ensure that Nigerians abroad receive the efficient, dignified service they deserve.
