Abuja, Nigeria
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced its plans to launch a digital platform for the combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC) on August 1.
NIS made this known in a statement on Wednesday. Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, said the move is part of the federal government’s reform agenda to improve transparency, efficiency and access to immigration services.
He said the new platform, available at https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng, will allow users to apply for CERPAC online without filling out physical forms.
“With effect from August 1, physical CERPAC forms will no longer be accepted,” he said.
“All CERPAC applications after July 31 must be submitted solely through the online portal.”
Akinlabi stated that the move to digital processing aims to streamline the application process for individuals and organisations handling immigration responsibilities for expatriates.
He urged those who have made payments but have not yet submitted their forms to do so by July 31 to avoid forfeiting their application status and payment.
“Similarly, individuals and companies with pending submissions are strongly encouraged to complete all processes within the stipulated timeline to avoid any inconvenience,” he said.
“Any form not submitted before the deadline will be rendered void and invalid.”
The NIS spokesperson advised that all inquiries regarding the transition should be directed to the service via the Public Relations Officer’s office.
Akinlabi reiterated the service’s commitment to adopting a more efficient, technology-driven system in line with international best practices.
