The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that it will replace the Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) with a new document known as the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP).
The announcement was made by Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, during the joint thematic meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat, and Niamey processes, which was held in Lagos. The meeting was organised and co-hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with France and brought together officials and stakeholders involved in migration management.
New Travel Document for Stranded Nigerians
The STEP will serve as an alternative to the ETC, which is currently used by Nigerian citizens abroad who have lost their passports or become stranded, allowing them to return to the country. Nandap said the new travel document is structured to enhance the process for stranded Nigerians to return home securely and verifiably.
The Cable news cites that in a statement released by A. S. Akinlabi, the NIS public relations officer, the comptroller-general said the STEP will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad. The document will be valid for a single entry into the country only.
Regional Cooperation on Migration Management
The two-day meeting in Lagos convened stakeholders from various institutions involved in migration management, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP). Representatives from ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and other African and European countries were also present.
The meeting focused on strategies to address migrant smuggling and human trafficking through improved migration management systems. Discussions centred on:
Regional cooperation, information sharing, and harmonisation of migration policies to enhance law enforcement and protection mechanisms.
Policy Alignment with International Standards
While delivering her keynote address titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses,” Nandap said the introduction of STEP aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its migration governance structures. She expressed that the NIS remains committed to international and regional dialogues that promote safe and regular migration.
Nandap stated that the immigration service will continue to align its policies and operations with global standards, ensuring effective management of cross-border movement. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with regional and international partners to enhance border security and protect migrants’ rights.
Implementation and Next Steps
The NIS did not provide a specific date for the rollout of the STEP but indicated that implementation will begin at the country’s diplomatic missions abroad. The agency said it would ensure a smooth transition from the ETC system and provide clear guidelines for applicants.
The introduction of STEP, as stated, is meant to be part of the country’s growing effort to strengthen migration documentation and improve service delivery for Nigerians abroad, while enhancing accountability and verification in travel procedures.
