Table of Contents
The International Passport: DIY Renewal
The "Green Book" is your freedom paper. Do not let it expire.
The Algorithm:
1. Apply Online (6 Months Early): Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal. Do not wait until it expires.
2. Payment: Pay the official fee (approx ₦25k-₦70k depending on validity) online. Print the receipt.
3. The "Book Appointment" Trick: The portal will give you a date 3 months away. Take it. Then, print your "Appointment Slip."
4. The "Fast Track" (Optional): If you need it urgently, you may need to visit the Servicom unit at the passport office. Official "Express Centers" exist (like Maitama or Ikoyi) where you pay a premium (₦100k+) for speed, officially.
5. Collection: This is where the bottleneck is. When you get the text message, go at 7 AM. Wear comfortable shoes.
The Algorithm:
1. Apply Online (6 Months Early): Go to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal. Do not wait until it expires.
2. Payment: Pay the official fee (approx ₦25k-₦70k depending on validity) online. Print the receipt.
3. The "Book Appointment" Trick: The portal will give you a date 3 months away. Take it. Then, print your "Appointment Slip."
4. The "Fast Track" (Optional): If you need it urgently, you may need to visit the Servicom unit at the passport office. Official "Express Centers" exist (like Maitama or Ikoyi) where you pay a premium (₦100k+) for speed, officially.
5. Collection: This is where the bottleneck is. When you get the text message, go at 7 AM. Wear comfortable shoes.
Driver's License: Bypassing the "Capturing" Bottleneck
The Pre-Work:
Start the process on the FRSC website. Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and pay.
The Physical Capture:
This is unavoidable. However, location matters.
Pro Tip: Do not go to the Ikoyi or Ikeja centers; they are overcrowded. Drive out to the outskirts (e.g., Epe, Badagry, or a center in Ogun State). The drive takes 2 hours, but you will be captured in 20 minutes. The time saved in queuing is worth the fuel cost.
Start the process on the FRSC website. Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and pay.
The Physical Capture:
This is unavoidable. However, location matters.
Pro Tip: Do not go to the Ikoyi or Ikeja centers; they are overcrowded. Drive out to the outskirts (e.g., Epe, Badagry, or a center in Ogun State). The drive takes 2 hours, but you will be captured in 20 minutes. The time saved in queuing is worth the fuel cost.
The DOM Account: Opening and Funding
To participate in the global economy, you need a Domiciliary Account (USD/GBP/EUR).
Requirements:
Funding It:
You cannot pay cash USD into your account unless you can prove the source (due to money laundering laws). The best way to fund it is via "Inflows" (wire transfers) from gig work or family abroad.
Requirements:
- Referees: You need two people who have Current Accounts with the same bank. This is the hardest part. Start asking your network now.
- Utility Bill: Must be recent (last 3 months).
- BVN & NIN: Standard KYC.
Funding It:
You cannot pay cash USD into your account unless you can prove the source (due to money laundering laws). The best way to fund it is via "Inflows" (wire transfers) from gig work or family abroad.
CAC Registration: From Name Search to Certificate
Legitimize your hustle.
Step 1: Public Search:
Go to the CAC Public Search portal. Check if "Lagos Logistics" is taken. If it is, try "Lagos Logistics Ventures."
Step 2: Name Reservation:
Create an account on the CRP (Companies Registration Portal). Submit 2 name options. Pay ₦500. Wait 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Registration (Business Name):
Once reserved, fill the "Form BN-1" online. You need:
Step 4: Download Certificate:
Once approved (3-7 days), download your certificate and "Status Report." These are what banks need to open a Corporate Account.
Step 1: Public Search:
Go to the CAC Public Search portal. Check if "Lagos Logistics" is taken. If it is, try "Lagos Logistics Ventures."
Step 2: Name Reservation:
Create an account on the CRP (Companies Registration Portal). Submit 2 name options. Pay ₦500. Wait 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Registration (Business Name):
Once reserved, fill the "Form BN-1" online. You need:
- Passport photo (digital).
- Signature (scan a piece of paper).
- Nature of Business (pick a generic category like "General Contracts" to be safe, or be specific).
Step 4: Download Certificate:
Once approved (3-7 days), download your certificate and "Status Report." These are what banks need to open a Corporate Account.
Barr. Funke "The Liaison" Williams
Administrative Consultant
3
Funke specializes in "Government Relations." She knows which forms to fill, which offices to visit, and most importantly, what time to arrive to avoid the queue.
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