Nigeria Urged to Adopt Digital Passport for Travel

Kemi Olaitan, a Nigerian travel enthusiast, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to fully embrace a digital passport and a paperless immigration system for international travel. This statement was made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State, following Olaitan's recent experience at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

She noted that Europe has implemented a new entry and exit system that replaces traditional passport stamps with electronic records, marking a significant shift in global travel documentation. Olaitan highlighted that the expected transition to digital records by May 23, 2026, would signal the gradual end of physical passport stamps, which are often viewed as proof of overcoming strict visa requirements.

She explained that the current Nigerian passport renewal process is stressful and time-consuming, particularly for frequent travelers who may exhaust their passport pages quickly due to visa stamps. Olaitan emphasized the advantages of adopting electronic travel records, including improved efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced human error, while also acknowledging the cultural loss associated with the disappearance of physical immigration stamps.