The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has clarified that Nigerians living abroad do not need a valid passport to travel back to Nigeria.
According to the agency, Nigerians can return home with an expired passport and renew it after arriving in the country.
The clarification comes as many Nigerians in the diaspora prepare for end-of-year trips home, with the NIS encouraging those travelling during the December season to take advantage of their stay in Nigeria to process passport S
The agency explained that the option could provide convenience for Nigerians whose passports have expired or are nearing expiration before their planned trips.
The NIS also addressed concerns surrounding passport services in the United Kingdom, assuring Nigerians that the ongoing passport intervention has not disrupted regular services at the Nigerian High Commission.
According to the service, applicants whose appointments are due continue to receive attention as scheduled.
Service spokesman, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, also confirmed that the contactless passport application platform remains fully operational.
The platform provides Nigerians with an alternative way to process passport renewals remotely without visiting a passport office in person.
The clarification is expected to provide relief to Nigerians abroad who may have been concerned about travelling home with expired passports, particularly those planning to visit Nigeria during the end-of-year period.
The NIS urged Nigerians who need passport services to make use of the available channels and plan their applications accordingly.