The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the launch of the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card in Abuja. He explained that STEP will allow Nigerians overseas to generate an emergency travel passport directly from any mobile device.
According to the minister, the innovation reflects the government’s broader commitment to modernising identity and security systems while improving service delivery for citizens overseas. He encouraged Nigerians to maintain confidence in ongoing reforms and support efforts aimed at strengthening national security architecture.
STEP is expected to operate alongside other digital identity and migration initiatives, including the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), which facilitates regional mobility and enhances border management within West Africa.
The initiative follows earlier disclosures by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which confirmed plans to phase out the existing Emergency Travel Certificate in favour of the more secure and technologically robust STEP. The new document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and will be valid for a single entry into the country.
The NIS has, in recent months, embarked on a series of reforms aimed at modernising immigration processes. These include a major upgrade to the passport application portal, the introduction of a contactless biometric passport system for Nigerians abroad, and the expansion of enhanced passport centres nationwide. These efforts have yielded measurable results: more than 3.5 million passports were produced within two years, and processing speed has improved significantly with the adoption of a centralized passport personalization system capable of generating up to 5,000 passports per day.
Additionally, the Service has launched a digital platform for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), allowing expatriates to complete residence and work permit applications online—a shift expected to improve efficiency and reduce processing time.
With STEP, the government hopes to further simplify emergency travel procedures, strengthen identity management, and align Nigeria’s migration systems with global standards while providing Nigerians abroad with a faster, more reliable option during unforeseen travel emergencies.