Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This is general information — apply and check requirements only through official NIS channels (immigration.gov.ng). Visa rules, fees and processes change and depend on your nationality and category — confirm current requirements on the official portal. For Nigerian passports, see our dedicated passport guide.
Official channels
The NIS’s official portal is immigration.gov.ng, complemented by the NIS Mobile app. Start every application there.
Offices nationwide
The NIS has its headquarters in Abuja, State Commands in all 36 states plus the FCT, and immigration offices down to local-government level — so services (like the ECOWAS certificate) are widely accessible.
Do it online
Most services — passports, visas, CERPAC — now start online, with a booked in-person step (biometrics/collection) where required.
Avoid touts & fakes
Beware clone websites and touts promising shortcuts. Apply only via the official portal/app, pay only official fees through official channels, and never hand your documents to unofficial “agents”.
Tips
- Start at immigration.gov.ng.
- Use the nearest office for in-person steps.
- Avoid touts and clone sites.
Headquarters and state commands
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) operates from its national headquarters in Abuja, backed by state commands in every state and passport/visa offices, plus units at airports and land borders. This spread means you rarely need to travel far — there's an NIS office or passport front office within reach of most people. Office addresses can change, so confirm the current location and contact for your nearest command on the official site, immigration.gov.ng, before setting out.
Do it online first
Much of what used to require a physical visit is now online. The NIS has moved key services onto official portals — passport application/renewal, the e-Visa (evisa.immigration.gov.ng), the Emergency Travel Certificate, and, for companies, the Expatriate Administration System for quota and CERPAC. Starting online saves time and cuts the number of in-person steps. Always begin at the official immigration.gov.ng rather than a search-engine link that could lead to a look-alike site.
Avoid touts — official channels only
Immigration offices attract touts and fake “agents” who promise to speed things up for a fee. Beyond the risk of being overcharged, handing your data or documents to a tout can expose you to fraud. Use the official portals and offices, pay only official fees through official channels, and never let anyone else hold your passport or complete your biometrics. If someone claims they can “fix” an approval for cash, treat it as a red flag — genuine applications follow the published process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NIS official website?
immigration.gov.ng — the official portal, complemented by the NIS Mobile app; start every application there.
Where are NIS offices?
The headquarters is in Abuja, with State Commands in all 36 states plus the FCT and immigration offices down to local-government level.
Can I do NIS services online?
Yes — most services (passports, visas, CERPAC) start online, with a booked in-person step for biometrics or collection where required.
How do I avoid immigration scams?
Apply only via the official portal/app, pay only official fees through official channels, and avoid touts and clone websites.
Where is the ECOWAS certificate issued?
At NIS offices nationwide — headquarters, State Commands, the FCT office and local-government immigration offices.
Where is the NIS headquarters?
The Nigeria Immigration Service is headquartered in Abuja, with state commands in every state plus passport/visa offices and units at airports and land borders. Confirm your nearest office's current address on immigration.gov.ng.
How do I contact the NIS?
Through the official site immigration.gov.ng and its listed channels, or at your nearest state command or passport office. Many services — passports, e-Visa, Emergency Travel Certificate — now start online rather than in person.
Can I handle immigration services online?
Yes. Passport application/renewal, the e-Visa, the Emergency Travel Certificate, and (for companies) expatriate quota and CERPAC via the Expatriate Administration System are all handled through official online portals. Start at immigration.gov.ng.
Does the NIS have offices in every state?
Yes — there are state commands across all states, plus passport/visa offices and border/airport units, so there's usually an office within reach. Confirm the current address for yours on the official site.
How do I avoid immigration touts?
Use only the official portals and offices, pay official fees through official channels, and never let anyone else hold your passport or do your biometrics. Anyone promising to 'fix' an approval for cash is a red flag — genuine applications follow the published process.