The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced an extended special passport intervention exercise in the United Kingdom, giving Nigerians in the country additional time to access passport services in four cities.
The exercise, which began on Tuesday, November 3, will run until November 27 in London and Manchester, while services in Aberdeen and Cardiff are scheduled to operate from November 3 to 6.
The extension was announced by the NIS on October 27 following sustained demand from Nigerians seeking passport services.
According to “Nairametrics“, the announcement was contained in a public notice signed by the service’s spokesperson, Akinisola Akinlabi, in line with a directive from Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Four cities included in extended exercise
Under the revised schedule, the intervention will continue at designated centres in London and Manchester until November 27.
The Aberdeen and Cardiff centres will operate for a shorter period, ending on November 6.
The NIS has advised applicants to book appointments through the designated passport intervention portal or the Nigerian High Commission’s website and attend only on their scheduled dates.
Applicants are also required to present their completed application forms, payment evidence and appointment printouts. Those seeking passport renewals must bring their existing passports.
The service has warned that cash payments will not be accepted at the intervention centres.
Demand for services remains high
The extension follows previous adjustments to the exercise’s timetable as the immigration service sought to accommodate more Nigerians requiring passport enrolment and renewal.
The intervention was introduced to bring passport services closer to Nigerians living in different parts of the UK, rather than requiring all applicants to travel to London.
The development also comes after Nigerians in Northern England called for a permanent passport and consular office in Manchester, citing the difficulties of travelling long distances to access services.
Although the latest extension provides additional access, it does not represent an announcement of a permanent Manchester office.
