How do I correct an error on my Nigerian passport?

When I got my passport, there were no errors on it, therefore, I never had to correct anything.

However, my friend’s passport had an error when she received it.

She had to correct it to avoid issues with immigration when travelling with the passport or during visa application.

If you’ve discovered an error on your Nigerian passport, whether a misspelt name, incorrect date of birth, or other mistakes, you must correct it before using the passport.

Below is how you can do it.

How do I correct an error on my Nigerian passport?

To correct an error on your Nigerian passport, go to the nearest Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office.

There, you’ll fill out a correction form, write a request letter, pay the correction fee, and submit your request with supporting documents.

The NIS will then process your request and issue you a corrected passport.

You can correct errors like misspelt names, wrong dates of birth, or other inaccuracies.

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Here’s a more detailed process:

• Visit the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Office
  If you’re in Nigeria, NIS have offices and outlets all over the country, go to the one near you. If you are outside Nigeria, go to the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
• Get the passport correct form
  At the NIS office, you’ll be given a passport correction form to fill out. The form is also available online through the official Nigeria Immigration Service website or at the immigration office.

• Write a request letter

  Draft a formal letter addressed to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) requesting the correction.

Your letter should include:

• • • Your full name – the correct one.
    • Passport number.
    • Details of the error and the correction required.
    • Reason for the correction.
• Submit your supporting documents
  After filling out the correction form, you won’t submit it alone but alongside other documents like:
  • • Your birth certificate
    • Your national identity card
    • A request letter
    • Proof of payment.
    • Your current passport with the error.
    • Two passport-sized photos
    • Affidavit of name correction or declaration (from a court)
• Pay a correction fee
  You’ll pay a processing fee for correcting the error, plus fee for a new passport.
  • To pay, go to the NIS payment portal and generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number.
  • Pay online or at a designated bank.
  • After payment, keep your receipt as proof of payment.

  Pay the money to the official channels to avoid fraud.

• Submit your request
  Upon completing the form, submit it along with your supporting documents, original passport, and receipt of payment.
• Attend an appointment
  In some cases, you’ll be asked to attend an interview or biometric capture appointment.
• Wait for your passport to be processed
  After submitting your request, the NIS will go through your request, and make the corrections.

You will be notified when your corrected passport is ready for collection.

• Collect your passport
  Once notified, go back to the immigration office or embassy to collect your updated passport.

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Common errors you can correct on your Nigerian passports

You can correct errors like:

• Misspelled names.
• Incorrect date of birth.
• Wrong gender information.
• Errors in place of birth or other personal details.

Also read: How to address a letter to the US embassy in Nigeria

How long does it take to correct an error on a Nigerian passport?

If you’re in Nigeria, it’ll take 2–6 weeks to make the corrections, if you’re making the correction through embassies abroad, it can take longer.

Read also: How to change your name on your Nigerian passport.

What happens after the correction?

Once the correction is completed, you’ll receive your updated passport.

Tip: Whenever you apply and get a new passport, check all your information thoroughly – to ensure they’re correct before travelling with it.

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How to avoid errors in your passport

To prevent errors in passport:

• Thoroughly check all your passport application forms after filling them.
• Make sure the information on your supporting documents is accurate and consistent with what is on the passport form.
• Take your time when applying for a passport to avoid typos.

Read also: How to address a letter to the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria

Note: You can’t correct fraudulent or misrepresented information.

In addition, submitting false documents isn’t allowed.

When applying for a psssport, work directly with the passport authority to avoid fraud.

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What should you do if there is an error on your passport?

If there is an error on your passport, contact the immigration office or passport agency, as soon as possible.

Inform them about the error and submit a correction request along with your documents.

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Once your request is processed, your passport will be updated and reissued to you.