"A person holding a Nigerian passport at an airport check-in counter with airline staff and signage visible in the background."

What to do if your Nigerian passport is lost or stolen

A missing passport is every traveler’s worst nightmare, especially when you’re far from home. But don’t panic. While it’s stressful, there are steps you can take to resolve this situation without losing your mind or too much of it.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know, including preventive measures to help you prepare for the worst-case scenario and steps to follow if the unthinkable happens.

Preventive measures to safeguard your passport

Make digital and physical copies
Scan your passport’s bio-data page and save it securely in the cloud or email it to yourself. Carry a photocopy in your bags when you’re out and about and leave one at home.

Use a passport holder or travel wallet
Invest in a secure, RFID-blocking passport holder to keep your passport safe from loss and theft. Keep it in a consistent spot in your bag or on your person.

Keep backup IDs and documents
Carry a secondary form of ID, like a national ID card or driver’s license. These can help verify your identity if needed.

Register with the Nigerian embassy
Before traveling, you could register your trip with the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate in your destination country. This makes it easier for them to assist you in emergencies.

Stay aware
Always be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas or transit points. These are hotspots for theft.

Steps to take if your Nigerian passport is lost or stolen

If you’ve lost your passport—or worse, it’s been stolen—here’s a step-by-step guide to handle the situation:

1. Stay calm and retrace your steps

Sometimes a misplaced passport isn’t truly lost. Check your bags, your hotel room, or the last place you visited. Ask staff at restaurants, transportation services, or attractions if they’ve found a lost passport.

2. Report the loss immediately

In most countries, you’ll need to report the loss to local authorities. This document will help you get a replacement and protect you from potential misuse of your passport.

Also, contact the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. They are your lifeline in this situation and will guide you through the replacement process.

3. Secure your identity

If your passport was stolen, there’s a risk it could be used fraudulently. Notify the Nigerian Immigration Service to flag your lost passport and prevent unauthorized use.

4. Apply for an emergency travel certificate (ETC)

If you’re abroad and need to travel home urgently, the Nigerian embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate. The ETC acts as a temporary passport and is valid for a single journey back to Nigeria.

Requirements for an ETC:

Police report
Passport photocopy or other ID
Two passport-sized photos
Proof of travel (flight itinerary, ticket, etc.)
Fees: Confirm the fee with the embassy, as it varies.

5. Replace your lost passport

Once you’re back in Nigeria or if your stay abroad is extended, apply for a replacement passport. You’ll need to visit the Nigerian Immigration Service office or the embassy/consulate abroad.

Documents needed for a replacement: