The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out a new digital platform for processing the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC), marking a key milestone in the federal government’s push to digitise public services.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, ACI Kenneth Kure Akinlabi, the NIS confirmed the portal is now active, enabling individuals and corporate bodies to complete and submit expatriate permit applications entirely online.
The move is part of a broader drive to enhance transparency, streamline operations, and improve the user experience within the country’s immigration system. It follows a growing trend among government agencies embracing digital solutions to reduce bottlenecks and curb corruption.
The NIS has set a clear timeline for the transition: from August 1, 2025, all applications for CERPAC must be submitted via the new digital platform. Manual or paper-based submissions will no longer be accepted.
“The introduction of the digital platform is in line with our commitment to service improvement and modernisation,” the statement read. “It reflects the broader reforms being implemented by the Federal Government to enhance transparency and efficiency across all critical sectors.”
The CERPAC serves as both a residence permit and identity card for expatriates residing in Nigeria. By automating the process, the NIS hopes to eliminate delays, minimise human error, and increase accountability in its dealings with the expatriate community.
While the success of the new system will depend on its ease of use and backend efficiency, the launch represents a significant step in the government’s attempt to reposition immigration as a 21st-century service.
