{
  "id": 8653980,
  "title": "NIS enrols over 5,000 Nigerians in UK passport drive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/nis-enrols-over-5-000-nigerians-in-uk-passport-drive",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T09:22:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nis-enrols-over-5000-nigerians-in-uk-passport-drive/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Immigration Service has registered a further 516 Nigerian applicants in its ongoing Special Passport Intervention Exercise in London and Manchester, reaching a total of 5,099 since the program's inception, according to a Day 12 update shared on their X account on Sunday. The service confirmed that the exercise proceeded without disruption on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Details revealed that 370 applicants enrolled in Manchester and 146 in London, bringing the cumulative enrollment since the exercise's commencement to 5,099. Officials emphasized that passport production and dispatch for those already enrolled are progressing smoothly. The Special Passport Intervention Exercise, initiated on 7 September 2026 under the Interior Minister's directive, aims to address backlogs of new passport applications, renewals, and pending cases for Nigerians in the UK. High demand prompted the extension of operations in London and Manchester beyond the initially planned mid-September conclusion. Eligible individuals must secure appointments via official channels and submit required documents at the specified centers.",
  "summary": "The Nigeria Immigration Service has enrolled a total of 5,099 applicants in its special passport intervention exercise for Nigerians in the United Kingdom. Read More: https://punchng.com/nis-enrols-over-5000-nigerians-in-uk-passport-drive/",
  "key_points": [
    "NIS registers 516 more Nigerians for UK passports, reaching 5,099 total.",
    "370 applicants enroll in Manchester, 146 in London during Day 12 update.",
    "Passport production and dispatch progressing smoothly for enrolled Nigerians."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "NIS enrols over 5,000 Nigerians in UK passport drive",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/nis-enrols-over-5-000-nigerians-in-uk-passport-drive-8658887",
        "published": "2026-09-20T09:50:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}