Massive Passport Intervention Launched for Nigerians in UK

In a significant move to tackle longstanding delays and improve consular services for Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom, the Nigerian government has deployed a dedicated Passport Intervention Team across four major UK regions. Led by Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, this initiative follows consultations between Nigeria's Immigration Service, the High Commission of Nigeria, and local UK diaspora representatives.

The mobile team aims to simplify the process of obtaining and renewing passports for thousands of Nigerian residents, bringing official handling of such requests directly to regional hubs.

The team will commence operations in London and Manchester from September 7 to September 19. At these locations, applicants can receive assistance at designated venues - Layali Lounge on Bramley Road in London and Nigerian House on Platt Lane in Manchester. Following this, the intervention will expand to Scotland and Wales, with the Hilton Convention Centre in Aberdeen and Sophia Gardens in Cardiff serving as the operational centers from September 21 to September 26.

While these physical locations will handle biometric data capture and application resolutions, it's crucial to note that all applicants must first complete their registrations and financial transactions online via the official passport.immigration.gov.ng portal. Neither physical cash payments nor unregistered walk-ins will be accepted at any of the intervention centers.

This UK outreach forms part of a wider reform strategy by the Ministry of Interior, focusing on modernising passport issuance, reducing processing delays, and alleviating the frustrations often experienced by Nigerians in the diaspora when renewing essential travel documents.