Nigerians living overseas have urged the Federal Government to tackle the long-standing problems affecting the processing of National Identification Numbers and Nigerian passports in foreign missions.
The call came in a joint statement issued on Monday by three Diaspora groups. The statement was signed by Okoro Akinyemi of the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption, Lewis Ehiwario of Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and Dozie Ugochokwu of the Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland.
According to the groups, the appeal followed the release of a detailed report in Abuja after wide consultations with Nigerian communities across several countries in Europe and North America. They said the report came from a strategic meeting and a cross-country survey aimed at documenting shared challenges faced by Nigerians abroad.
The statement said many Nigerians outside the country struggle to get or verify their NIN due to slow processing and extra travel demands. The groups noted that these difficulties have become a regular problem. They said, “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.”
They called for full digitalisation of both NIN and passport services. They also urged the government to provide better funding for foreign missions, improve equipment, employ more workers, and issue clearer immigration guidelines. The statement added, “Nigerians abroad should be able to access both services simultaneously at embassies to reduce duplication, stress and unnecessary logistical complications. Embassies require strengthened digital infrastructure capable of managing increased service demand and expanded responsibilities.”
The groups raised concerns about the current NIN registration model, which depends heavily on private agents. They said, “Overreliance on private agents has resulted in inconsistent procedures, high fees and widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians seeking reliable identification services abroad. Irregular fees, unpredictable processing timelines and inadequate oversight have fuelled concerns about possible exploitation.”
They recommended a secure, fully digital NIN system that Nigerians around the world can access without intermediaries. They also urged the government to allow embassies and consulates to directly manage NIN and passport services.
To reduce travel stress for applicants, the groups proposed the creation of mobile registration units in major global cities.
They urged the government to act quickly, saying the delays have caused avoidable hardship for many Nigerians living abroad.
