The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that state of origin certificates are now mandatory for both passport renewals and new applications.

**Liaison Offices**

NIS recognizes that obtaining these certificates can be inconvenient, and therefore advises applicants to utilize state liaison offices located in other states. For example, Anambra state has liaison offices in Lagos (Eti-Osa) and Abuja (Asokoro) that can issue the necessary documents.

**Legal Basis**

NIS emphasizes that all required documents are backed by laws and policies approved by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior.

**Proof of Citizenship**

To establish Nigerian citizenship, applicants must provide documentation that links them to a local government area within the country. State of origin certificates fulfill this requirement.

**Constitutional Basis**

NIS urges passport applicants to refer to the relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution regarding citizenship.

**Basic Requirements for Passport Applications**

**First-Time Applicants:**

* Completed passport application form
* Recent passport-style photograph
* Copy of National Identification Number (NIN)
* Copy of birth certificate
* Letter of consent from parents or guardians
* N5,000 application fee

**Renewal Applicants:**

* Completed passport application form
* Recent passport-style photograph
* Copy of old passport
* N2,000 application fee. CONTINUE READING