Nigeria Set to Launch Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January 2026

Nigeria Set to Launch Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in January 2026

Nigeria is taking a major step forward in modernizing its travel and identity management systems with the announcement of the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), scheduled for launch in January 2026. This new initiative, revealed by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, marks a significant upgrade in how stranded Nigerians abroad can access emergency travel documents. Tunji-Ojo shared the update during the inauguration of the ECOWAS biometric ID card in Abuja, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving border governance and national security.

For many years, the Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) has served as the primary one-way travel document for Nigerians abroad who have lost their passports or become stranded. However, with evolving global travel standards and the need for more secure processes, the ETC has become outdated. Earlier this month, Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), announced that the STEP would officially replace the ETC, bringing enhanced security and verification features.

The STEP is designed as a single-use, one-way passport strictly for Nigerians who need to return home under emergency conditions. It provides a more structured and secure alternative to the ETC while ensuring that Nigerians abroad can still find a safe and reliable pathway back to the country when urgent situations arise. According to Nandap, this new solution offers improved safeguards, making it easier for authorities to verify and process returning citizens.

One of the most innovative features of STEP is its mobile accessibility. Minister Tunji-Ojo revealed that Nigerians will be able to generate the emergency passport directly from their mobile devices, without needing to visit an embassy or consulate. This digital transformation is expected to dramatically reduce waiting times, eliminate long queues, and ease the burden on Nigerians who find themselves stranded with limited access to formal diplomatic offices.

This advancement aligns with the ministry’s broader reforms focused on security, identity management, and border control. The interior minister emphasized that STEP reflects the government’s renewed commitment to building systems Nigerians can trust systems that leverage technology to solve long-standing challenges and make public services more efficient. He called on citizens to support and trust in ongoing national security reforms, noting that collective cooperation is essential for success.

The STEP is strictly a single-entry document, meaning it cannot be used for multiple trips or as a substitute for a regular Nigerian passport. Its sole purpose is to help citizens return home safely after losing their travel documents. Once back in Nigeria, holders are expected to apply for a standard passport through the usual NIS procedures.

According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, the introduction of STEP is part of a larger strategy to enhance border governance and strengthen identity verification systems. The NIS says that these reforms will help align Nigeria’s migration processes with international standards, ensuring the country keeps pace with global best practices in travel documentation and security technology.

As Nigeria prepares for the full rollout of the STEP in 2026, Nigerians abroad can look forward to a more secure, convenient, and technologically advanced solution for emergency travel needs. For citizens who travel frequently or live overseas, this reform represents a major leap toward a more responsive and reliable immigration service, one that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and global compatibility.

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