Nigerian passports are issued to Nigerian citizens to travel outside of Nigeria. Nigeria now offers only electronic 
passports for new passport applications. These electronic passports, known also as the e-passport, are classified as either Standard or Official e-passport, depending on intended use.

Applying for Nigerian Passports
Nigerian passports can be applied for either at the physical location of the Nigeria Immigration Services, or by making submission through its website. Nigerians living in other countries may contact the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate for guidelines about how to renew or obtain a passport.

Nigeria standard e-passport guidelines
An applicant who wishes to obtain the Nigeria standard e-passport is expected to come for the e-passport interview with a local government letter of identification, birth certificate, or age declaration, and a recently taken passport-sized color photograph, which must show applicant’s full face down to the neck, without any discoloration.

The applicant is also expected to come along with a guarantor’s form, sworn to before a Commission of Oaths/Magistrate/High Court Judge. A parents’ letter of consent is required in the case of a minor, below the age of 16. A marriage certificate is also required when applicable. When an applicant seeks to recover or replace a stolen, damaged or lost passport, a police report is also required.

Official passport 
The official e-passport, which is primarily reserved for certain classes of government officials and Nigerian diplomats, is also obtainable through same processes as the Standard and seekers are to come for collection with a letter of identification issued from the appropriate State Government, Federal Government, Ministry/organization, a marriage certificate when applicable, a letter of appointment and a letter showing a new designation/promotion.

Both passport and application form, with supporting documents, are to be submitted at the passport office for further processing.

Whether it is a Standard or Official passport type, an application form, acknowledgement slip, payment receipt and two recent photographs are required and if it is done online, the applicant should print out a copy of the duly completed and signed application form to the application office for further processing.

The applicant should package together with application form, photocopy of the guarantor’s data page of Nigeria Standard Passport, driving license or National Identity Card, before submission.

Receiving the new e-passport
With your e-passport, you are sure of acquiring a visa to visit any country of choice for various intended purposes; bearing in mind that visa will not be issued if you fail to meet the mandatory visa requirements as stipulated by the Consulate of desired country of visit.

Nationals are also advised to ensure the validity if their passports exceeds the period of stay they intend to spend in a foreign country, since some countries mandate that a passport must be valid for six months beyond date of entry.

To avoid any unwarranted embarrassment, you should, prior to your journey, verify if your destination requires the six months rule to make sure your passport validity is in line with intended period of stay, and as you embark on the trip, make a photocopy of the identification page in your new passport and keep it separately from your passport while abroad.

Owing to the importance of your passport, it is advised that you leave the passport photocopy at home. Note that the passport must contain empty pages to accommodate your visa.