The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has warned Nigerians and foreigners to use only its official online platforms for passport and visa applications.
The service stressed that it has not authorised any religious organisation, private entity or individual to collect payments on its behalf.
The warning came in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday. It follows a rise in complaints about fraudsters posing as agents and collecting money for fake or delayed travel documents.
According to the NIS, the only authorised platform for passport payments by Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, is its official passport portal.
Applicants are expected to pay directly through the site and avoid third-party links or “agents” who promise faster processing.
It added that foreigners seeking Nigerian visas should use only its official visa portal for embassy applications or the designated e-visa portal for electronic visa applications.
These platforms are meant to reduce human contact, cut corruption and make the process more transparent.
It said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to reiterate that the only authorised platforms for passport payments for Nigerians (at home and in diaspora) is https://passport.immigration.gov.ng. For foreigners wishing to apply for visa, https://visa.immigration.gov.ng (for visa at the Embassy) and https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng (for e-visa) are the official links. At no time has the Service partnered with or authorised any religious organisation, private entity or individual to act as intermediary or receiving account on its behalf,” the statement read.
Verified Channels and Push for Secure, Transparent Processing
The NIS urged applicants who require clarification or assistance with passport or visa applications to contact its verified communication channels.
It listed its official X accounts as @nigimmigration and @InquireAtNaija, while its verified Facebook and Instagram handles are @nigimmigration.
The service also provided WhatsApp numbers 09160878000 and 09117717772 for enquiries and support. These channels are intended to help applicants confirm genuine information and report suspicious activity.
The statement reiterated the service’s commitment to ensuring secure and transparent passport and visa application processes.
It also urged the public to avoid fraudulent intermediaries who often exploit desperate travellers and charge extra fees for services that should be done directly through official portals.
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The truth of the matter is this, a lot of states reject Nigerian visa applications in thousands, problem is the money put in is nonrefundable and costly, these miracle/assured individuals and groups create a middle man for this, often bribing to get people through, or the fake ones take the money and run.
People will not stop, why? The japa mentality is still very much etched in the memories of Nigerians, and it’s being fueled by the rising costs of being a Nigerian.