Nigerians living abroad are calling for urgent action from the government to address ongoing challenges related to obtaining National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Nigerian passports outside the country.
Various groups, including the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption (IAHRAC), Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and the Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland, have urged the government to resolve the delays affecting NIN and passport processing. This demand was made in a statement released on Monday, jointly signed by Okoro Akinyemi (IAHRAC), Lewis Ehiwario (Concerned Nigerians), and Dozie Ugochukwu (Nigeria Business Forum).
The statement followed the release of a detailed report in Abuja, which highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerians overseas and was based on extensive consultations with Diaspora communities in multiple countries.
According to the groups, the report was the result of a strategic meeting and a cross-country survey conducted among Nigerians living in Europe and North America. They aimed to identify common obstacles and document the shared experiences of Nigerians abroad. The statement indicated, “Nigerians abroad frequently face prolonged delays and additional travel burdens when trying to obtain or verify their NIN. Many applicants reported systemic obstacles that make timely processing extremely difficult.”
The groups are calling for urgent digitalization and modernization of both the NIN and passport systems. They emphasized the need for improved funding for foreign missions, upgraded equipment, increased staffing, and clearer immigration guidelines.
“Nigerians abroad should be able to access both services simultaneously at embassies to reduce duplication, stress, and unnecessary logistical complications. Embassies require a strengthened digital infrastructure capable of managing increased service demand and expanded responsibilities,” the statement added.
Referencing a Diaspora-wide survey, the groups raised concerns about the current NIN registration model. They pointed out that overreliance on private agents has led to inconsistent procedures, high fees, and widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians seeking reliable identification services abroad. “Irregular fees, unpredictable processing timelines, and inadequate oversight have fueled concerns about possible exploitation,” the statement noted.
The groups stressed the need for a secure, fully digitalized NIN system that can be accessed by Nigerians worldwide without intermediaries. They also recommended that embassies and consulates directly handle NIN and passport services, proposing the creation of mobile registration units in major global cities to alleviate travel burdens for applicants.
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