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How to Replace a Lost Nigerian Passport in 2026
Losing a Nigerian passport can be stressful, especially if you need it for an upcoming trip, visa application or other official purpose. However, a lost passport can be replaced through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The replacement process is different from applying for a fresh passport. If your Nigerian passport has been lost, the NIS requires you to provide additional documents, including a Police Extract for the loss of the passport and a Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport from the High Court.
This guide explains how to replace a lost Nigerian passport, the documents required, how to apply online, how much the process may cost and what to expect at the passport office.
Before You Proceed check : How to Book Nigerian Passport Appointment Online
Can I Replace a Lost Nigerian Passport?
Yes. A lost Nigerian passport can be replaced through the Nigeria Immigration Service.
For applicants in Nigeria, the application begins online through the official NIS passport portal. The NIS directs applicants replacing a lost passport to use the “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue” option on the passport application portal.
You will also need to provide documents explaining and supporting the loss of the previous passport.
Official Nigerian Passport Replacement Portal
The official NIS passport portal is:
Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Portal
The portal provides options for renewal/re-issue, passport application status, appointment booking and other passport services.
Be careful when searching for passport replacement services online. Avoid websites or individuals that claim they can bypass the NIS process or obtain a passport through unofficial channels.
Documents Required to Replace a Lost Nigerian Passport
According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, applicants replacing a lost passport should upload the required supporting documents.
These include:
- Birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC), or a Declaration of Age issued by the Federal/State High Court or Customary Court of Appeal.
- Local Government Certificate of Indigeneship.
- Police Extract for the loss of the passport.
- Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport from the High Court.
- Data page of a non-Nigerian passport, if you are a Nigerian dual national and have a foreign passport.
- Additional supporting documents, where applicable, such as a marriage certificate if your name differs across your documents.
The documents you need can depend on your particular circumstances, so applicants should carefully follow the document requirements displayed during the online application.
How to Replace a Lost Nigerian Passport Online
The application process starts online, although you will still need to appear physically for biometric enrolment.
Step 1: Report the Lost Passport
After discovering that your passport is lost, report the loss to the appropriate police authority and obtain a Police Extract documenting the loss.
The Police Extract is specifically listed by NIS as one of the supporting documents required for a lost passport replacement application.
Step 2: Obtain a Sworn Affidavit
You will also need a Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport from the High Court.
The affidavit forms part of the NIS requirements for replacing a lost passport.
Make sure the information in the affidavit is accurate and consistent with your passport records and other documents.
Step 3: Go to the Official Passport Portal
Visit:
Official Nigerian Passport Portal
Do not use an unofficial website simply because it appears in search results.
Step 4: Select “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue”
From the passport application dashboard, select “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.”
The NIS renewal guidance directs applicants to this option, and the lost-passport procedure is handled through the renewal/re-issue route.
Step 5: Verify Your NIN
You will be required to verify your National Identification Number (NIN).
The NIS passport system uses your NIN and date of birth for the verification process.
Make sure the details you provide correspond with your NIMC records.
Step 6: Provide Your Passport Information
The application requires passport information and allows the system to compare your details with your NIN records.
Review the information carefully before continuing.
If there is an error in your personal information, resolve it appropriately rather than submitting incorrect information.
Step 7: Select a Processing Centre
Select the passport processing centre where you will complete your biometric enrolment.
The NIS requires applicants to appear at their chosen Immigration office for biometric data capture.
Therefore, choose a centre that you can realistically travel to on your appointment date.
Step 8: Select Your Passport Booklet
The NIS online application allows applicants to select the applicable passport booklet option.
The current portal provides 32-page and 64-page booklet options through the renewal/re-issue process.
Step 9: Upload Your Passport Photograph
Upload an acceptable passport photograph that meets the NIS requirements.
Make sure the photograph is clear and complies with the required specifications before submitting it.
Step 10: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the supporting documents required for the lost passport replacement.
This is particularly important because the lost-passport application requires evidence relating to the loss, including:
- Police Extract
- Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport
- Birth certificate or acceptable declaration of age
- Local Government Certificate of Indigeneship
- Other applicable supporting documents
NIS specifically lists these documents as part of the lost passport replacement requirements.
Step 11: Review and Submit the Application
Carefully review your application before submitting it.
Check your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- NIN
- Contact details
- Passport information
- Processing centre
- Uploaded documents
Once you are satisfied that the information is correct, submit the application.
Step 12: Pay the Required Passport Fee
After submitting the application, proceed to make the required payment.
The NIS states that applicants replacing a lost passport must pay the applicable fees for the replacement passport.
Do not pay an agent or individual into a personal account simply because they claim to be assisting with your application.
Step 13: Book Your Biometric Appointment
After completing the required online steps and payment, book your appointment for biometric enrolment.
The NIS passport process requires applicants to appear at the selected Immigration office for biometric data capture.
Step 14: Print or Save Your Application Documents
The NIS lost-passport procedure instructs applicants to print their Acknowledgement Slip and Payment Slip.
Keep these documents safely and take the required documents with you when attending your appointment.
Check Also : How to Check Passport Centre Availability in Nigeria 2026
Do I Need a Police Report for a Lost Nigerian Passport?
Yes.
The Nigeria Immigration Service specifically lists a Police Extract for Loss of Passport among the requirements for replacing a lost passport.
Therefore, do not skip this step when preparing your application.
Do I Need an Affidavit for a Lost Nigerian Passport?
Yes.
NIS requires a Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport from the High Court for the replacement of a lost passport.
The affidavit is separate from the Police Extract, so applicants should prepare both documents.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Lost Nigerian Passport?
The cost depends on the applicable passport fee and the booklet selected.
NIS announced that, effective September 1, 2025, domestic Nigerian passport application fees were set at:
| Passport booklet | Validity | NIS fee |
|---|---|---|
| 32 pages | 5 years | ₦100,000 |
| 64 pages | 10 years | ₦200,000 |
These are the NIS-announced domestic passport application fee thresholds.
Because a lost passport replacement may also involve expenses for obtaining the Police Extract, affidavit and other supporting documents, applicants should budget for those additional costs as well.
Important: Always confirm the amount displayed on the official passport portal before making payment, because government fees and online application charges can change.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Nigerian Passport?
The exact processing time can depend on the application, verification, biometric enrolment, document checks and passport production.
Applicants should therefore avoid making travel arrangements based solely on the date of their biometric appointment.
If you have an urgent international trip, allow sufficient time for the passport replacement process.
What Happens at the Passport Office?
You will need to appear at the Immigration office selected during your application for biometric enrolment.
The biometric process is an important part of the passport application because your photograph and biometric information are captured as part of the application process. NIS specifically states that applicants must appear at their chosen Immigration office for biometric data capture.
Take your relevant documents, acknowledgement slip and payment evidence with you.
What If I Find My Old Passport After Reporting It Lost?
If you have already declared your passport lost and the loss has been formally processed, do not assume that you can continue using the old passport simply because you have found it.
The NIS warns that continued use of a passport declared lost may be treated as fraudulent use of a government document and can carry serious legal consequences.
If you recover a passport that has already been declared lost, contact the Nigeria Immigration Service for guidance rather than attempting to use it for international travel.
Can I Replace a Lost Passport Without Going to the Immigration Office?
No, not completely.
The application itself is completed online, but applicants are required to appear at the selected Immigration office for biometric data capture.
Therefore, the process involves both:
Online application → Payment → Appointment → Physical biometric enrolment
Can Someone Else Replace My Lost Passport for Me?
You should not expect another person to complete the biometric enrolment on your behalf.
The applicant is required to appear at the chosen Immigration office for biometric data capture.
Be particularly cautious about anyone claiming that they can complete the entire process without you appearing for biometrics.
What If My Lost Passport Was Stolen?
If your passport was stolen, report the loss to the police and obtain the required Police Extract.
You should then follow the NIS lost-passport replacement procedure and provide the required supporting documents.
The important point is to formally report the loss rather than simply proceeding as though you are applying for a fresh passport.
Lost Nigerian Passport Abroad: What Should I Do?
The process can be different if your Nigerian passport was lost while you are outside Nigeria.
NIS has separate arrangements for Nigerians abroad, including passport services through Nigerian diplomatic missions and other overseas channels.
If you are stranded abroad because your passport has been lost or stolen, contact the nearest Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate for guidance on the appropriate travel document or passport procedure.
Do not automatically follow the domestic Nigeria application procedure if you are currently outside the country.
Important Mistakes to Avoid
When replacing a lost Nigerian passport, avoid these common mistakes:
Using an unofficial passport website
Always start with the official NIS passport portal.
Paying unofficial agents
Do not pay someone simply because they promise to secure a faster appointment or replacement.
Submitting inconsistent information
Your name, date of birth and other personal details should be carefully checked against your official records.
Forgetting the Police Extract
The Police Extract is specifically listed as a requirement for a lost passport replacement.
Forgetting the Sworn Affidavit
The High Court affidavit is also specifically required by NIS.
Selecting a difficult processing centre
Remember that you will need to appear at the selected office for biometric enrolment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Nigerian passport if I lost it?
Yes. The Nigeria Immigration Service provides a specific procedure for replacing a lost passport.
What documents do I need to replace a lost Nigerian passport?
NIS lists a birth certificate or acceptable declaration of age, Local Government Certificate of Indigeneship, Police Extract for the loss, Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport and other applicable supporting documents.
Where do I apply for a replacement of a lost Nigerian passport?
For applicants applying from within Nigeria, start through the official NIS passport portal and select Apply for Renewal/Re-issue.
Do I need a police extract?
Yes. NIS specifically lists a Police Extract for Loss of Passport as a requirement.
Do I need an affidavit?
Yes. NIS requires a Sworn Affidavit for Loss of Passport from the High Court.
Do I have to go to the Immigration office?
Yes. Applicants are required to appear at their chosen Immigration office for biometric data capture.
Can I still use my old passport if I find it after reporting it lost?
You should not use a passport that has already been declared lost. NIS warns that continued use of a passport declared lost may have serious legal consequences.
Final Advice
Replacing a lost Nigerian passport is straightforward when you follow the official procedure and prepare the required documents before starting the online application.
The key steps are:
Report the loss → Obtain Police Extract → Get High Court Affidavit → Apply online → Upload documents → Pay the required fee → Book appointment → Attend biometric enrolment.
Start the process through the official Nigeria Immigration Service passport portal and keep your application and payment documents safe throughout the process.
