The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the current Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) for Nigerians abroad.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, revealed this during a joint thematic meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey migration processes, co-hosted by Nigeria and France.

According to an official statement by NIS spokesperson, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the new STEP document will serve as a secure temporary passport for Nigerians overseas whose passports are lost, expired, stolen or damaged, enabling them to return home safely.

The document will:

• Be issued at approved Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad
• Allow only one entry into Nigeria
• Replace the existing ETC system
• Enhance identity verification and border security

The initiative, Nandap said, aligns with global migration standards and forms part of ongoing reforms to modernize immigration services, improve identity management and strengthen border governance.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including NCFRMI, NAPTIP, regional bodies such as ECOWAS, AU, EU, and officials from African and European countries. Discussions focused on boosting cooperation to combat migrant smuggling, human trafficking and irregular migration.

Nandap reaffirmed the NIS commitment to international migration protocols, promising continued reforms, improved capacity building and collaboration with global partners to ensure safe and lawful migration.