Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in early 2026 to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
Gatekeeper News reports that the initiative is part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s passport and identity‑management systems.
According to Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the STEP will be a biometric, temporary travel document designed to assist Nigerians abroad whose passports are lost, expired, or stolen, enabling them to return home safely with a secure, single‑entry travel document issued through Nigerian embassies and consulates.
Officials said the initiative is aligned with broader reforms to strengthen border governance, enhance service delivery, and bring Nigeria’s travel documentation into line with international standards, reinforcing identity protection and efficient migration management.
The new emergency passport is also expected to complement recent innovations such as the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and digital solutions aimed at streamlining passport services for Nigerians at home and abroad.
The rollout of STEP reflects the government’s push toward greater digitalisation of travel documents and improved support for citizens facing travel emergencies outside the country.
