[REVISION HISTORY]

Nigeria Immigration Service passport intervention in UK

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What changed

2026-09-08 06:43 UTC → 2026-09-11 16:59 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) initiated a plan to deploy a Passport Intervention Team to the United Kingdom to address application backlogs and assist the Nigerian diaspora. Directed by Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the mission aims to support first-time applicants, pending applications, and those with expiring passports. Following the initial announcement, the NIS finalized a schedule for the intervention to take place across four UK cities in September 2026. Services were set for London and Manchester from September 7 to 19, followed by Aberdeen and Cardiff from September 21 to 26. Specific venues included Layali Lounge in London, Nigerian House in Manchester, the Hilton Convention Centre in Aberdeen, and Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Applicants were required to complete online forms and payments via the official portal prior to attending, as cash payments would not be accepted. However, the Manchester leg of the exercise reportedly ended in confusion. Applicants complained of poor organization, inadequate staffing, and a lack of security, leading to the involvement of UK police. The facility owner in Manchester also claimed he had not been paid. Amidst reports of delays and poor organization in Manchester and London, allegations surfaced regarding unauthorized administrative fees. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expressed concern over these difficulties, and the Federal Government officially denied imposing any charges beyond the standard fees of $150 for a five-year passport and $230 for a 10-year passport, excluding bank charges. The Ministry of Interior stated that consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve logistical ~~challenges and ensure inconveniences do not persist.~~ challenges. In response to high demand, the NIS has extended the exercise until October 3, 2026. While noting initial challenges, the service reported that 1,477 Nigerians were processed within the first four days, with over half of those individuals having passports already dispatched.

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