The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has unveiled a new digital platform for the application and processing of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), marking a significant step toward the modernization of Nigeria’s immigration framework.
According to a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI) Kenneth Kure Akinlabi, the new online portal—https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng—is now live and fully operational. The platform allows individuals and corporate entities to complete and submit CERPAC applications electronically, thereby eliminating the need for manual, paper-based processes.
The transition to the digital system is part of the Federal Government’s broader public service reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency, improving user experience, and boosting operational efficiency across critical national institutions.
Effective August 1, 2025, the NIS will no longer accept manual submissions for CERPAC applications. All new applications must be processed through the designated digital portal. Applicants who have already paid for but have yet to submit their physical application forms must do so by July 31, 2025. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the invalidation of the application and forfeiture of any associated payments.
“Responsibility for expatriates to complete all pending submissions within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any inconvenience. Consequently, any CERPAC form not submitted after the deadline will be rendered void and invalid,” the NIS warned in its statement.
The agency also called on individuals and organizations with pending immigration-related responsibilities to finalize their submissions ahead of the transition deadline to avoid service disruptions. All further enquiries and correspondence regarding the new process should be directed to the office of the Public Relations Officer.
The CERPAC is a critical immigration document issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service that authorizes foreign nationals to reside, work, or conduct business in Nigeria. It functions both as a residence permit and an identification card and is typically valid for up to one year, with options for renewal.
By digitizing the CERPAC process, the NIS aims to streamline application procedures, reduce bureaucratic delays, and increase accountability in Nigeria’s immigration system. The move is expected to benefit thousands of expatriates and their employers by offering a faster, more secure, and user-friendly interface for compliance with immigration requirements.
