By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Nigerian communities in Europe, in partnership with the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption (IAHRAC), have called on the federal government to urgently resolve persistent delays in National Identification Number (NIN) and passport processing that are affecting citizens living overseas.

The appeal followed a comprehensive report released on Monday in Abuja, based on consultations and surveys conducted across diaspora communities in Europe and North America.

In a joint statement, Dr. Okoro Akinyemi (IAHRAC), Mr. Lewis Ehiwario (Concerned Nigerians, Germany), and Mr. Dozie Ugochukwu (Nigeria Business Forum, Switzerland) said the survey identified “critical challenges and shared experiences” in accessing NIN and passport services abroad.

The groups highlighted that Nigerians overseas face “severe delays and unnecessary travel burdens” when attempting to obtain or verify their NINs, with systemic obstacles hindering timely processing and service delivery.

They called for urgent digitalisation and modernisation of both NIN and passport systems, recommending that citizens be allowed to access both services simultaneously at embassies to reduce duplication, logistical challenges, and stress.

The statement also stressed the need for better-funded embassies, upgraded equipment, additional trained personnel, clearer immigration guidance, and stronger digital infrastructure to manage increasing service demands efficiently.

The diaspora survey reportedly revealed widespread reliance on private agents for NIN registration, leading to inconsistent procedures, high fees, and dissatisfaction among applicants. Inconsistent fees, unpredictable processing timelines, and limited oversight were cited as factors contributing to potential exploitation.

To address these issues, the groups recommended that embassies and consulates directly handle NIN and passport services, and that mobile registration units be established in major cities globally to ensure broader access and reduce travel burdens for Nigerians abroad.

The coalition emphasized that prompt action is essential to ensure secure, fully digitalised identification services accessible to all Nigerians worldwide.