By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has revealed that the Single Travel Emergency Passport will be rolled out in January 2026, introducing a digital alternative to support Nigerians abroad who lose their passports.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed the plan on Friday in Abuja during the official launch of the ECOWAS Biometric ID Card.
He explained that the system will allow affected travellers to obtain an emergency travel document directly from their mobile devices, removing the need for a physical visit to any embassy.
“This initiative will enable Nigerians abroad who lose their passports to generate an emergency travel document using any mobile device without visiting an embassy,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the government’s ability to address national issues and encouraged collective support for ongoing security reforms.
The STEP is designed to work alongside other digital identity programmes, including the newly introduced ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, which aims to ease regional travel and strengthen border management.
Earlier in the month, the Nigeria Immigration Service announced that the Single Travel Emergency Passport would replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate.
According to the Service, the document will be issued only at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates and will serve as a single-entry travel pass.
It added that the initiative is part of broader reforms intended to improve border administration, enhance identity systems and bring Nigeria’s migration processes in line with international standards.