Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) in 2026, replacing the existing Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC).
The development was made public in Abuja on Monday by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, at the decoration of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to Comptrollers of Immigration.
The Comptroller-General said the agency is committed to harnessing cutting-edge tech innovations to enhance its services, ultimately serving Nigeria better and fulfilling its constitutional role.
Her words, “I’m looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re doing to ensure that we actually optimise our services, both in terms of our visa, in terms of our passport production line and in terms of our contactless solutions.
“In terms of also the new ones we’re putting in place, like the ENBIC (ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card), which we just started, we want to ensure that our processes are seamless, and also the STEP, which is also a new programme that we’re going to launch early next year, which is the Single Travelling Emergency Passport.
“It’s going to be biometric-based, and it’s going to be in alternative ways.”
The Comptroller General urged the newly promoted officers to show heightened vigilance and uncompromising professionalism amid Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that promotion is earned through dedication, competence, integrity, and commitment to duty, not just years of service.
She paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security,” noting that ongoing transformation within the Service is driven by the administration’s resolve to strengthen security institutions.
The CG acknowledged the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing “strategic direction, diligent oversight, and resolute dedication to strengthening our operational capacities.”
The immigration chief said the stakeholders’ presence reflects the collective support for the service, adding that the officers’ promotion symbolises trust and comes with expectations of stronger leadership, sound judgement, accountability, and exemplary conduct.
According to her, their roles at senior levels require clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to mentor and inspire.
She said, “At this advanced stage of your careers, professional competence must be matched with strong leadership attributes.
“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone, and your conduct will continue to reflect the core values and reputation of this service.”
Nandap reaffirmed that the NIS would “not tolerate any form of indolence or unprofessional conduct”, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and always place the interest of the Service above personal considerations.
She acknowledged the sacrifice of their families, saying, “Their patience, encouragement, and understanding have been instrumental to your professional journey.”
The CG encouraged those not promoted to remain steadfast, saying, “There is a time for everyone. Keep working hard, and your time will come.”
