The Nigeria Immigration Service has said its Contactless Passport Application platform is now operating smoothly after resolving the technical issues that affected the system following its introduction.

The assurance comes as some Nigerians in the United Kingdom continue to complain about delays in passport processing and poor communication at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Service’s spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, said the NIS Mobile application, introduced in the UK in 2024, had undergone several upgrades based on users’ feedback.

He explained that the improvements had eliminated the glitches that initially disrupted the platform, making it easier for applicants to complete passport renewal processes.

Akinlabi said the mobile application was introduced to reduce the long waiting period for biometric enrolment appointments and is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store and the NIS website.

He advised passport applicants to follow the Immigration Service’s official social media platforms for updates on application procedures and new improvements to the digital platform.

The spokesperson also said applicants who had been given distant biometric appointment dates could switch to the contactless platform and complete their enrolment themselves, provided they were renewing expired passports or passports due to expire within one year.

He noted that the self-service option does not apply to first-time passport applications, replacement of lost passports or requests involving changes to personal details. Applicants under the age of 18 are also not eligible to use the platform.

Responding to complaints about poor communication at the Nigerian High Commission in London, Akinlabi said the Immigration Service does not manage the mission’s front-office operations.

He, however, said the Service remains in close contact with the High Commission to improve immigration-related services and ensure better support for Nigerians living abroad.