{
  "id": 6820266,
  "title": "Frustration as technical failure disrupts Nigerian passport exercise in UK",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/frustration-as-technical-failure-disrupts-nigerian-passport-exercise",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T23:40:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/frustration-as-technical-failure-disrupts-nigerian-passport-exercise-in-uk/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian passport applicants in the UK have expressed frustration over technical glitches that disrupted passport processing at a Manchester intervention centre. Videos emerged showing Nigerians stranded and frustrated during biometric capture in the early hours of the morning. Dr Bims Oluwasona, General Secretary of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation UK, stated that there was a surge in passport applications and called for a complete overhaul of passport processing operations. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure, adequate staff, and transitioning to a fully automated end-to-end passport application process. Oluwasona also advocated for establishing a dedicated customer resolution centre to improve efficiency and provide timely support. Nigerians in the UK urged the Nigerian government to collaborate with diaspora communities to prevent further challenges and ensure a seamless experience for Nigerians at home and abroad. The founder of Nigerians in the United Kingdom on X, Benjamin Kuti, highlighted issues of ill-treatment, delays, disorganization, poor communication, and additional charges at various passport intervention centres. He stressed the importance of clear information for applicants, including fees, procedures, and expected service. Kuti also demanded transparency concerning fees and urged the agencies to improve crowd management, appointment systems, and provide appropriate assistance to elderly, disabled, and vulnerable community members.",
  "summary": "Nigerians in the UK express frustration over technical failures, delays, and poor communication that disrupted a passport intervention exercise in Manchest Read More: https://punchng.com/frustration-as-technical-failure-disrupts-nigerian-passport-exercise-in-uk/",
  "key_points": [
    "Technical glitches disrupted Nigerian passport processing in Manchester.",
    "Nigerians in diaspora demand overhaul of passport processing operations.",
    "Advocacy for dedicated customer resolution centre to improve efficiency."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The disruption highlights the need for better infrastructure, automation, and customer support in passport processing, with applicants and advocacy groups calling for comprehensive reforms to improve the experience.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Frustration as technical failure disrupts Nigerian passport exercise in UK",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/frustration-as-technical-failure-disrupts-nigerian-passport-exercise",
        "published": "2026-09-12T00:14:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}