The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is one of the most important paramilitary agencies in Nigeria. Its major responsibilities revolve around border security, passport issuance, and migration management, the NIS continues to play a vital role in national development, law enforcement, and public safety.

In this official guide, you’ll discover all the core functions of the NIS and how they serve the Nigerian public.

What Is the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)?

The NIS is a federal agency under the Ministry of Interior. Established in 1963, the agency has evolved to become a key institution in managing migration, citizenship, and national identity matters.

It works closely with other national and international agencies to control human movement across Nigerian borders and prevent illegal immigration.

Official Functions of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Here are the key roles and responsibilities of NIS:

1. Passport Issuance & Renewal

The NIS is responsible for:

• Issuing Nigerian international passports to eligible citizens.

• Renewing expired or damaged passports.

• Managing online passport application processes.

2. Border Protection & Surveillance

One of NIS’s top functions is to:

• Guard Nigeria’s land, air, and sea borders.

• Prevent unauthorized entry and exit of individuals.

• Monitor border security threats, human trafficking, and smuggling.

3. Visa & Entry Permit Issuance

The NIS oversees:

• Granting visa on arrival, transit visas, and residency permits.

• Approving work and business entry permits for foreigners.

• Screening travelers at ports of entry.

4. Enforcement of Immigration Laws

NIS enforces all immigration-related laws in Nigeria by:

• Investigating and arresting illegal immigrants.

• Deporting foreigners who break Nigerian laws.

• Prosecuting visa overstayers or fraudulent passport holders.

5. Residence & Work Permit Management

They also manage:

• Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).

• Guidelines for foreigners who want to live or work in Nigeria legally.

6. Citizenship Processing

The agency:

• Assists in citizenship applications (naturalization or registration).

• Verifies documents for individuals seeking Nigerian citizenship.

7. Migration Data & Intelligence

NIS keeps detailed records of:

• Travelers entering and leaving Nigeria.

• Migration trends and statistics for government policy-making.

• Digital biometric data for identity verification.

8. Issuance of Travel Documents to Stateless Persons

The NIS supports international obligations by issuing:

• Travel documents to stateless individuals, refugees, or non-citizens who qualify under international laws.

9. International Collaboration

They partner with:

• ECOWAS, Interpol, UN agencies, and other bodies.

• Engage in cross-border security collaborations and anti-human trafficking campaigns.

Additional Responsibilities

Collaborating Agencies

NIS works hand-in-hand with the following organizations:

• Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)

• Nigerian Police Force (NPF)

• Department of State Services (DSS)

• Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does the NIS issue national ID cards?
No, national ID cards are handled by NIMC (National Identity Management Commission), not NIS.

Q2: Can NIS arrest foreigners?
Yes, NIS officers have the legal authority to arrest, detain, and deport illegal immigrants.

Q3: Who approves Nigerian visas?
The Nigeria Immigration Service processes and approves visas and residence permits.

Q4: Can I apply for a passport online through NIS?
Yes, visit the official NIS portal for applications.

Final Thoughts

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) plays a crucial role in protecting the nation’s borders, regulating migration, issuing passports, and maintaining national identity integrity.

As Nigeria continues to improve its security and digital systems, the NIS remains one of the key agencies driving the country’s immigration and border control transformation.