Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

1. Requirements and Procedures to Obtain a Passport in Nigeria

Sources indicate that passports in Nigeria are issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) (US n.d.; Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.48).

1.1 Application Requirements for Adults

The NIS website provides the following application requirements to obtain an enhanced e-Passport for Nigerian adults (18 and above) who are citizens by birth:

• Letter of identification from local government, state-of-origin card, residence card, or National Identity Card, or a "[l]etter of introduction as a Nigerian citizen for employees of government as a Nigerian citizen" stating their service number, length of service, and designation or rank;
• Completed passport application form and 2 passport-sized photographs (endorsed on the back by the guarantor);
• Completed guarantors' form signed by a Commissioner for Oaths and, attached, a photocopy of the data page of the guarantor's Nigerian e-Passport and 1 passport-sized photograph of the guarantor;
• Marriage certificate, where applicable;
• Birth Certificate (issued by the National Population Commission (NPC) for applicants whose date of birth is "with effect from" December 1992) or an age declaration endorsed by a Commissioner for Oaths and, attached, 1 passport-sized photograph;
• Acknowledgement slip and proof of payment (Nigeria n.d.a).
  
  

1.2 Application Requirements for Minors

The NIS website provides the following application requirements for minors (under 18) who are citizens by birth:

• Completed passport application form and, attached, 1 passport-sized photograph of the minor endorsed on the reverse side by the consenting parent(s);
• Proof of Nigerian citizenship of the parent(s);
• Birth certificate (issued by the NPC for minors born within Nigeria);
• Letter of consent from either parent;
• Acknowledgement slip and proof of payment (Nigeria n.d.a).
  
  

The NIS website adds that in the case of an adopted child, a court order and a letter of approval from the State Ministry of Women and Child Development are also required (Nigeria n.d.a).

1.3 Fees

According to the NIS website, as of 1 September 2025, the fee for a 32-page passport with 5-year validity is 100,000 Nigerian naira (NGN) [C$95] and 200,000 NGN [C$191] for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity (Nigeria 2025-08-28). Sources report that the September 2025 fees represented an increase from the September 2024 rate of 50,000 NGN [C$49] for a 32-page passport and 100,000 NGN for a 64-page passport (Business Day 2025-09-02; Vanguard 2025-09-04). The Guardian, a Nigerian newspaper, cites criticism from an opposition politician noting that this was the third increase of international passport fees in 2 years (2025-08-29). Business Day, a Nigerian newspaper, reports that the increased fee for a 64-page passport is approximately triple Nigeria's [monthly] minimum wage of 70,000 NGN [C$68] (2025-09-02). Sources also reported that the increase in passport fees was only for passport applications in Nigeria and that the fee to apply for Nigerian passports abroad remains unchanged (The Punch 2025-08-28; The Guardian 2025-08-29; NAN 2025-08-28).

1.4 Procedures to Apply for a Passport in Nigeria

The NIS website provides the following instructions for applying for a new passport in Nigeria:

• Complete passport application online;
• Upload birth certificate from the NPC or declaration of age from high court, state of origin certificate, [and] "passport datapage";
• Make payment and book appointment;
• Submit payment and appointment slips in person, at the scheduled appointment with the selected passport office (Nigeria n.d.a).
  
  

The same source also notes that "[a]pplicants are required to appear at [their] chosen Immigration Office for photograph and biometric data capturing" (Nigeria n.d.a).

1.5 Renewal and Replacement of Passports

The NIS website provides the following instructions to renew a passport with either expired or unexpired validity:

• Complete passport application online;
• Upload birth certificate from NPC or declaration of age from high court, state of origin certificate, [and] "passport datapage";
• Make payment and book appointment;
• Submit payment and appointment slips in person, at the scheduled appointment with the selected passport office (Nigeria n.d.a).
  
  

The same source also notes that "[a]pplicants are required to appear with their passport boo[k]let at [their] chosen Immigration Office for photograph and biometric data capturing" (Nigeria n.d.a).

2. Requirements and Procedures to Obtain a Passport from Abroad

A country information report on Nigeria by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) indicates that Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions issue passports to Nigerians overseas (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.48). Similarly, the NIS website states that Nigerians abroad must submit their passport applications at the nearest Nigerian embassy, consulate, or high commission (Nigeria n.d.a).

2.1 General Requirements and Procedures to Obtain a Passport from Canada

The website of the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa indicates that passport applications must be submitted online through the NIS portal and that once an online application is submitted and payment is complete, an appointment can be scheduled through the NIS website (Nigeria n.d.b). The same source notes that a National Identification Number (NIN) is required for all applications (Nigeria n.d.b).

The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa indicates that the following documents are required for new passport applicants:

• Completed and printed application form
• Payment confirmation slip
• Birth certificate (photocopy)
• Copy of old passport (if applicable)
• Administrative fee receipt ([C$]50)
• Self-addressed Canada Post Express Post envelope (Regional if within Ontario; National if outside Ontario – keep the tracking number). (Nigeria n.d.b)
  
  

The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa also indicates that there is a contactless passport application pilot program and that the contactless system is available for applicants meeting the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Passport must be expiring within 6 months. (Nigeria n.d.b)
  
  

The same source describes the following steps for a contactless passport application for eligible applicants:

1. Download the NIS Mobile App (currently Android only).
2. Create a profile and complete eligibility check.
3. Enter NIN and passport details.
4. Upload required documents.
5. Capture biometrics (fingerprint [and] face) using your device.
6. Submit application and payment online.

After submission, send:

• [C$]50 administrative fee (money order)
• Self-addressed Canada Post Express Post envelope
• Old passport. (Nigeria n.d.b)
  
  

2.2 Application Requirements from Canada for Minors

The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa indicates that the following documents are required for a passport application for a minor:

• Letter of consent signed by parents
• Photocopies of parents' passports (at least one Nigerian)
• Birth certificate
• Additional custody documents (if applicable). (Nigeria n.d.b)
  
  

2.3 Fees

According to sources, the fee for a 32-page passport with 5-year validity is $150 [$US], and the fee for a 64-page booklet with 10-year validity is $230 [$US] (NAN 2025-08-28; The Punch 2025-08-28; The Guardian 2025-08-29). As indicated in the above lists, the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa charges an additional administrative fee of C$50 (Nigeria n.d.b).

2.4 Renewal and Replacement of Passports from Canada

The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa indicates that the following documents are required to renew a passport [from Canada]:

• Completed and printed application form
• Payment and confirmation slip
• Expired Nigerian e-Passport (original)
• Photocopy of biodata page of the e-Passport
• Administrative fee receipt [C$]50
• Self-addressed Canada Post Express Post envelope. (Nigeria n.d.b)
  
  

The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa indicates that the following documents are required for the replacement of a lost passport:

• Completed and printed application form
• Payment confirmation slip
• Police report (forwarded to passportinquiries@nigeriahcottawa.ca)
• Signed request letter for lost passport
• Photocopy of old passport biodata page (if available)
• Administrative fee receipt [C$]50
• Replacement fee: [C$]400 (payable to the High Commission)
• Self-addressed Canada Post Express Post envelope. (Nigeria n.d.b)
  
  

3. Appearance and Security Features of the Enhanced e-Passport

The Australian DFAT report states that in January 2019 Nigeria's government launched "an enhanced e-passport with improved security and polycarbonate technology" (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.48). The NIS website also notes that the enhanced e-passport is a "security-enhanced passport" which contains polycarbonate technology, and further indicates that the option of 10-year validity periods was introduced with the enhanced e-passport (Nigeria n.d.a).

According to the NIS website, there are 3 kinds of "fingerprint enhanced e-Passports" issued by the NIS:

1. Ordinary [or normal] passports, which are green in colour, with 32 or 64 pages and a validity of 5 years, or 64 pages and a validity of 10 years;
2. Official passports, which are blue in colour and used by government officials;
3. Diplomatic passports (Nigeria n.d.a).
   
   

Samples of passports issued since 2019, available in the EU's Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel and Identity Documents Online (PRADO), indicate that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is printed on the front cover of ordinary (EU 2021-07-01a), diplomatic (EU 2021-07-01b), and official passports (EU 2021-07-01c).

The EU's PRADO describes the characteristics of the ordinary passport as follows:

• Date of first issuance: 29 April 2019
• Overall colour: green
• Overall construction: single booklet
• Format: width of 88 mm and height of 125 mm
• Number of pages: 34 pages (5-year validity) or 64 pages (5-year or 10-year validity)
• Maximum validity: 5 or 10 years
• Security features: UV features, printing techniques, substrate, optically variable device (OVD), watermarks, numbering, and binding (EU 2021-07-01a).
  
  

A sample of the ordinary passport is available on the PRADO website (EU 2021-07-01a).

PRADO describes the characteristics of the diplomatic passport as follows:

• Date of first issuance: 29 April 2019
• Overall colour: red
• Overall construction: single booklet
• Format: width of 88 mm and height of 125 mm
• Number of pages: 34 pages
• Maximum validity: 5 years
• Security features: UV features, printing techniques, substrate, OVD, watermarks, numbering, and binding (EU 2021-07-01b).
  
  

A sample of the diplomatic passport is available on the PRADO website (EU 2021-07-01b).

PRADO describes the characteristics of the official [special; service] passport as follows:

• Date of first issuance: 29 April 2019
• Overall colour: blue
• Overall construction: single booklet
• Format: width of 88 mm and height of 125 mm
• Number of pages: 34 pages or 64 pages
• Maximum validity: 5 years
• Security features: UV features, printing techniques, substrate, OVD watermarks, numbering, and binding (EU 2021-07-01c).
  
  

A sample of the official passport is available on the PRADO website (EU 2021-07-01c).

4. National Identification Number (NIN) and National e-ID Card

4.1 Overview

Australia's DFAT indicates that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is the issuing authority for the National e-ID Card (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.46). According to sources, the NIMC is responsible for administering the National Identity Database (NID) and issuing e-ID cards under the NIMC Act 2007 (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.46; Nigeria n.d.c). According to the website of the NIMC, the NIMC commenced NIN enrolment in 2012 and by the end of 2023 had issued 104 million NIN to eligible individuals (Nigeria n.d.c). The CIA World Factbook estimates that Nigeria's total population in 2024 was 236,747,130 (US 2025-10-01).

4.2 NIN

According to the NIMC website, the NIN is

a set of numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment. Enrolment consists of the recording of an individual's demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the [NID] to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data.

Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it. The NIN once issued to a person cannot be used again, (that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead). It is the NIN that helps to tie all records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified. (Nigeria n.d.d)

The same source also provides the following on the NIN:

• [It] consists of 11 non-intelligible numbers randomly chosen and assigned to an individual at the completion of enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).
  …
• In the case of the demise of an individual, his/her NIN is retired once a death certificate is presented to the Commission and the individual's death is established.
  …
• All citizens and legal residents in Nigeria, from age zero (birth) and above are eligible to enrol for their NINs. (Nigeria n.d.d)
  
  

4.2.1 Eligibility and Enrolment

According to the NIMC website, enrolment in the NIN "is mandatory for every citizen and legal resident" and enrolment is free (Nigeria n.d.d).

4.2.2 Enrolment for Those 16 and Older

The NIMC website indicates that to enrol in the NIN, along with the presentation of one's BVN [1] (if in possession of one), "any" of the following original and valid documents must be submitted to an NIMC Enrolment Centre:

• Old National ID Card
• Driver's [l]icense
• Voter's card (Temporary or Permanent)
• Nigerian [i]nternational passport
• Certificate of Origin
• Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in your community
• Birth certificate
• Declaration of age
• Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
• [National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS] ID Card
• Government staff ID card
• Registered/recognized private organization staff ID card
• School ID [c]ard (private/public)
• Tax Clearance certificate
• Valid immigration documents
• Nigerian Commission for Refugees (NCFR) Refugee Certificate
• Refugee ID card
• Refugee [f]actsheet. (Nigeria n.d.e)
  
  

The same source describes the following process to enrol for an NIN:

• Applicant walks into the enrolment Centre with a supporting document.
• Applicant will be verified to ascertain if he/she has ever enrolled using the NIN verification portal.
• Applicant will be issued an enrolment form to fill if he/she has not enrolled before. OR the printed Barcode slip will be collected if the applicant had pre-enrolled earlier using the pre-enrolment service.
• Applicant's forms will be vetted by a NIMC Official to crosscheck the information filled on the form against the supporting document provided and to check for errors/mistake filled on the form. Note: applicants who cannot read nor write should be accompanied by a literate individual who can do the form filling for him/her.
• Applicant's pre-filled information will be inputted on the NIMC Software by a NIMC enrolment officer or the Barcode slip will be scanned by the NIMC enrolment officer to populate all the required field.
• The enrolment officer will ask the applicant to double check his/her information for errors using the applicant monitor.
• If the applicant is satisfied with his/her demographic information, the biometrics (ten finger prints and facial image) of the applicant will be capture[d] subsequently.
• Declaration of age
• After completing the enrolment, a Transaction ID Slip will be issued to the applicant as an evidence of the transaction. However, the Transaction slip does not confer the right to [an NIN]. The applicant will be requested to come back for the NIN within 1-5 working days, as it is subjected to availability of network, authentication and verification.
• [An NIN] Slip is issued to the applicants after processing.
• The National e-ID Card will be [i]ssued to applicant within 12 months after [i]ssuance of NIN barring any unforeseen circumstances. (Nigeria n.d.e)
  
  

4.2.3 Enrolment for Minors 15 and Younger

The NIMC website provides the following list of "[m]andatory requirements" for enrolling a minor for an NIN at an NIMC enrolment centre:

• Parent/Guardian's [NIN] Slip (father, mother or guardian's NIN) MUST be provided.
• Supporting documents and evidence of proof as the Guardian to the minor (if Guardian's NIN is used).
• Registered Birth Certificate/ Statutory Age Declaration.
• All minors MUST be accompanied by at least one of the parents or a Guardian.
• Refugee Factsheet. (Nigeria n.d.e, emphasis in original)
  
  

The NIMC website lists the following as "supporting documents" for the enrolment process for minors:

• Birth certificate
• Declaration of age
• School ID Card private/public
• NHIS ID card
• Nigerian passport
• Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in the community
• Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
• [NCFR] Refugee Certificate
• Refugee ID card
• Refugee Factsheet. (Nigeria n.d.e)
  
  

The NIMC website describes the following process for enrolling a minor in the NIN:

• Applicant walks into the enrolment [c]entre with [t]heir parent/guardian and the required supporting document.
• Applicant will be verified to ascertain if he/she has enrolled before through the verification portal.
• Applicant will be issued an enrolment form to fill if he/she has not enrolled before. OR the printed [b]arcode slip will be collected if the applicant had pre-enrolled earlier using the pre-enrolment services.
• Applicant forms will be vetted by a NIMC Official to crosscheck the information filled on the form against the supporting document provided and to check for errors/mistake[s] filled on the form.

[N]ote: Parents/Guardians who cannot read nor write should come along with another person who can do the form filling on their behalf.

• Applicant's pre-filled information will be inputted on the NIMC [s]oftware by a NIMC enrolment officer or the [b]arcode slip be scanned by the NIMC enrolment officer to populate all the required fields.
• The enrolment officer will ask the applicant's parents to double check their ward information using the applicant's monitor to check for errors.
• If the Parent/Guardian is satisfied with the demographics information inputted, the biometrics of the applicant will be captured subsequently.
• After completing the enrolment registration, a [t]ransaction [s]lip will be issued to the applicant as an evidence of the transaction. However, the [t]ransaction slip does not confer the right to [an NIN]. The applicant will be requested to come back for the NIN within 1-5 working days, as it is subject to the speed/availability of network, authentication and verification.
• [An NIN slip] is issued to the applicant after processing.
• The National e-ID Card will not be issued to this categories of applicant until they become 16 years of age and above.
• A text message will automatically be sent to the Applicant, Parent or guardian to come for update when they become 16[ ]years of age. (Nigeria n.d.e)
  
  

4.2.4 Functions of the NIN

The NIMC website states that "[t]he NIN is set to be used for all transactions in Nigeria requiring identity verification" including the following:

• Obtaining [a] National e-ID Card
• Travel (international passport application [and] acquisition)
• Opening personal bank accounts
• Getting [a] driver's license
• Obtaining [a] Permanent Voters' Card
• Participating in the [NHIS]
• Payment of [one's] taxes
• Transactions related to [one's] contributory pension scheme
• Access to welfare and other relevant services from the Nigerian Government
• Transactions with social security implications
• Land transactions subject to the Land Use Act
• Any other transactions NIMC may so prescribe and list in the Federal Government Gazette. (Nigeria n.d.d)
  
  

The Punch, a Nigerian newspaper, reports that in October 2025, Nigeria's government unveiled NINAuth, a digital application from the NIMC which allows citizens to control who has can access their personal data "across government, banking, telecoms, and education services" (2025-10-30). The same source, citing the NIMC's Director General, indicates that NINAuth allows users to share or revoke access to their data, receive alerts when their NIN has been accessed, and also "consolidates multiple identification credentials — such as driver's licence, student loan ID, health insurance card, and bank verification- into a single digital wallet" (The Punch 2025-10-30). As an example of its use, the NIMC's Director General stated the following: "'if law enforcement stops you, you can open the app and show your digital ID right away'" (The Punch 2025-10-30). The NIMC website indicates that the mobile NINAuth application is available for download from Google Play or Apple's App Store and works online; in person, by scanning an organization's QR code with the app; and with a "Sharecode feature," where the user scans a QR code from a verifying organization and provides a "Sharecode" to allow the organization to access their data (Nigeria n.d.f).

4.3 National e-Identity Cards

Australia's DFAT indicates that the National Electronic Identification Card (e-ID card) "is Nigeria's primary identification document" (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.45). The same source notes that each e-ID card contains a unique NIN and the e-ID card

allows citizens to access a range of government services, including health, pension, voting registration, taxation, driver[']s licence, transport, mobile SIM card and insurance. The card also functions as a prepaid debit card, and is intended to eventually act as a travel document between ECOWAS countries. (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.45)

The NIMC website indicates that an individual can apply for an e-identity card through NIMC offices, banks, or approved agents (Nigeria n.d.g). According to the same source, citizens and legal residents 16 and older with a verified NIN are eligible to apply for an e-identity card (Nigeria n.d.g). According to the NIMC website, it will "likely" take 2 to 3 working days after the request is submitted to receive the card (Nigeria n.d.g). The same source indicates that it is not mandatory to obtain an e-identity card (Nigeria n.d.g).

Sources report that Nigeria began issuance of national e-ID cards in 2014 (BBC 2014-08-28; SecureIDNews 2014-10-08).

4.3.1 General Multipurpose Identity Card (GMPC)

The NIMC website indicates that the NIMC received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the rollout of a new e-ID card, referred to as a GMPC and "issued under the indigenous Nigerian card scheme AFRIGO" (Nigeria n.d.c). An April 2024 announcement by the NIMC states the new card "will be produced according to [International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)] standards, [and] is positioned as the country's default national identity card" (Nigeria 2024-04-05). Aratek, a company which provides biometric and security products to governments, banks, and other institutions (BiometricUpdate.com n.d.), and which "support[s]" national ID programs in Africa, states that the GMPC "builds on the foundation of the previous National ID-card but introduces several enhancements" (Aratek 2024-08-14). The same source indicates that the GMPC was "[d]eveloped" by the NIMC in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and is supported by the AfriGO domestic card scheme and is "designed to be more than just an ID card," combining identity verification with financial services (Aratek 2024-08-14). Vanguard, a Nigerian newspaper, reports that in January 2025 the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the NIMC announced the launch of the new biometric ID card and stated that 115 million Nigerians have already been enrolled in the "ongoing enrollment process" (2025-01-24).

Business Day reports that according to a January 2025 post by the NIMC on its official X account (formerly Twitter), Nigerian citizens can apply for the GMPC through the NIMC self-service portal, NIMC offices, or their bank and applicants are required to provide their NIN; once the application has been submitted, the card will be issued through their bank following the same procedures for the issuance of debit and credit cards (2025-01-20).

Information on the number of new e-ID/GMPC cards issued or in circulation could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to the NIMC website, the plans for the new e-ID cards include the following 3 functions:

• Use for payments
  
  • can function as a debit and prepaid card both for individuals with a bank account and without a bank account
• Social intervention
  
  • "will be enabled for [i]dentity and for all government intervention and services across multiple [m]inistr[ies], [d]epartments and [a]gencies"
  • "[e]nabled for all government social programs: cash transfer, agricultural loans, student loans, health insurance scheme, micro contribution, micro pension[,] etc."
• Use as an ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Travel Card (Nigeria n.d.c).
  
  

4.3.2 Appearance and Security Features of e-Identity Cards

Aratek indicates that the national e-ID card "incorporated fingerprint and facial recognition technologies to ensure secure and reliable identification," and indicates that the new e-ID cards will also include these features (2024-08-14). A sample e-ID card can be found on the NIMC website (Nigeria n.d.i).

5. Prevalence of Fraudulent Identity Documents

Information on the prevalence of fraudulent identity documents was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. Australia's DFAT report, published in 2020, indicates that despite the criminalization of both fraud and the falsification of documents, "Nigeria has experienced high rates of document fraud in the past" (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.56). The same source further notes that fraudulent documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, health insurance certificates, invitation letters, letters of introduction, and letters of employment from multinational companies "are often used to obtain passports" (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.56). The same source also states that

[i]n-country sources report numerous business operations exist in Nigeria from which it is neither difficult nor expensive to obtain a fraudulent driver's license or other documents that can be used to obtain a genuine passport (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, age declarations, and letters of identification from local government). Corruption at local NIS offices may also enable the fraudulent production of genuine passports. (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.58)

The Punch reports that in May 2024 the Minister of Interior stated that their Ministry had discovered "2,400 foreigners with fake [NINs] attempting to acquire Nigerian passports" (2024-05-30).

Australia's DFAT notes that Nigeria "is gradually strengthening its national identity system and biometrics" and that the NIS has a forensic laboratory to inspect travel documents (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.59). The same source indicates that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has also created a Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) "which actively investigates and prosecutes suspects"; however, there have been "very few cases" that have "resulted in convictions" (Australia 2020-12-03, para. 5.59).

Sources report that in March 2025 the Nigerian government began a "crackdown" on individuals and organizations producing fake NIN cards, after the NIMC notified security agencies about "unauthori[z]ed" printing of the cards (The Punch 2025-03-25; The Insights 2025-03-25).

Vanguard reports that according to data from Sumsub, a global verification company, document forgery fraud in Nigeria decreased by 80%; however, the overall fraud rate increased by 4.4% (2025-06-25). The same source notes that while Nigeria has observed a decrease in document forgery there has been an increase in synthetic identity fraud, "a type of financial crime where fraudsters create a completely fake identity by combining real and fake information" (Vanguard 2025-06-25). The same source indicates that according to Sumsub there was a 192% increase in synthetic document fraud in Nigeria (Vanguard 2025-06-25). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) were introduced in 2014 to allow for "a single identity in the banking system," support Nigerian banks' "Know Your Customer (KYC) principle" and the "safety and reliability of the payments system" (Nigeria [2024]). ^[back]

References

Aratek. 2024-08-14. "The New Nigeria ID Card: A More Inclusive Digital Identity." [Accessed 2025-11-03]

Australia. 2020-12-03. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT Country Information Report: Nigeria. [Accessed 2025-10-08]

BiometricUpdate.com. N.d. "Aratek." [Accessed 2025-11-07]

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 2014-08-28. "Nigeria Launches National Electronic ID Cards." [Accessed 2025-11-03]

Business Day. 2025-09-02. Ngozi Ekugo. "Nigerian Passport Now Costs 3 Times the Minimum Wage." [Accessed 2025-10-29]

Business Day. 2025-01-20. Ifeoluwa Adebayo. "Five Things to Know About NIMC's Multipurpose Card." [Accessed 2025-11-03]

European Union (EU). 2021-07-01a. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "Document: NGA-AO-03001." [Accessed 2025-10-15]

European Union (EU). 2021-07-01b. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "Document: NGA-AD-03001." [Accessed 2025-10-15]

European Union (EU). 2021-07-01c. Public Register of Authentic Identity and Travel Documents Online (PRADO). "Document: NGA-AS-03001." [Accessed 2025-10-15]

The Guardian [Nigeria]. 2025-08-29. Jimisayo Opanuga. "Presidency Defends Passport Fee Hike, Says Nigerians Already Paid More Through Bribes." < > [Accessed 2025-10-29]

The Insights. 2025-03-25. A. Adetutu. "FG Cracks Down on Fake NIN Card Producers, Introduces New Multi-Purpose Card." [Accessed 2025-11-04]

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). 2025-08-28. "Nigeria Immigration Service Raises Passport Fees from Sept. 1." [Accessed 2025-10-29]

Nigeria. 2025-08-28. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). "Nigeria Immigration Service Announces Upward Review of Nigerian Standard Passport Fees." [Accessed 2025-10-09]

Nigeria. 2024-04-05. National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). "FG OF Nigeria Unveil Plans to Launch a New National Identity Card with Payment & Social Service Delivery Capabilities." [Accessed 2025-11-07]

Nigeria. [2024]. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). "Bank Verification Number." [Accessed 2025-11-06]

Nigeria. N.d.a. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). "Passports." [Accessed 2025-10-08]

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Nigeria. N.d.c. National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). "The e-ID Card." [Accessed 2025-10-08]

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