High fees, long waits: Nigerians in Germany, Switzerland, others petition FG on NIN, passport reforms

Nigerians living in Germany, Switzerland and other parts of Europe and North America have petitioned the federal government to urgently overhaul the National Identification Number (NIN) and passport processing systems abroad, citing persistent high fees, prolonged delays and widespread dissatisfaction with services at foreign missions.

The call was made in a joint statement issued on Monday by three major Diaspora groups: the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption (IAHRAC), Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and the Nigeria Business Forum, Switzerland. The document was signed by Okoro Akinyemi of IAHRAC, Lewis Ehiwario of Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and Dozie Ugochokwu of the Nigeria Business Forum.

According to the groups, their position follows the release of a detailed report after months of consultations with Nigerian communities across several countries. The report draws from a strategic meeting and a cross-country survey designed to uncover recurring obstacles and document the lived experiences of Nigerians attempting to obtain or verify their NIN or renew their passports abroad.

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“Many Nigerians abroad frequently face prolonged delays and additional travel burdens while trying to obtain or verify their NIN. Applicants reported systemic obstacles that make timely processing extremely difficult,” the statement said, noting that the situation has created avoidable stress for citizens who travel long distances at significant personal cost.

The Diaspora organisations described the current NIN registration model as deeply flawed, particularly due to the government’s heavy reliance on private agents. According to them, the use of intermediaries has led to inconsistent procedures, unpredictable timelines, irregular fees, and in some cases, concerns about possible exploitation of applicants.

They argued that Nigerian missions must be empowered and equipped to provide consistent, transparent and efficient identity services. “Embassies require strengthened digital infrastructure capable of managing increased service demand and expanded responsibilities,” the groups stated, adding that citizens should be able to access both passport and NIN processing simultaneously to reduce duplication and logistical burdens.

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Beyond immediate reforms, the groups recommended a fully digitalised NIN system that Nigerians worldwide can access without intermediaries. They also called for the deployment of mobile registration units in major global cities to mitigate travel difficulties faced by applicants, especially those who live far from embassies or consulates.

The organisations urged the federal government to improve funding for foreign missions, upgrade equipment, increase staffing and issue clearer immigration guidelines to restore confidence in the identity management process.

They warned that unless urgent action is taken, millions of Nigerians abroad may continue to face undue hardship in securing basic national identity documents essential for civic participation, financial access and legal recognition.

Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.

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