FG deploys UK passport team to clear backlog
The Federal Government has deployed a special Nigeria Immigration Service team to the United Kingdom to tackle outstanding passport applications and improve access to passport services for Nigerians living there.
The intervention team, drawn from the NIS headquarters, is expected to arrive in the UK on Monday, August 10, 2026, following a directive from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap.
Etim Ekpimah
The Federal Government has deployed a special Nigeria Immigration Service team to the United Kingdom to tackle outstanding passport applications and improve access to passport services for Nigerians living there.
The intervention team, drawn from the NIS headquarters, is expected to arrive in the UK on Monday, August 10, 2026, following a directive from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap.
The team will work with the Nigerian High Commission in the UK to process pending applications, enrol new applicants and handle passport renewals.
According to the NIS, the exercise will cover selected cities across the UK, allowing applicants outside London to access enrolment and processing services.
The intervention is open to Nigerians with outstanding applications, those applying for passports for the first time and holders whose passports have less than one year before expiry and are seeking renewal.
Applicants are required to bring their completed application forms and proof of payment for the enrolment process.
The NIS said details of the participating cities, venues, dates and enrolment times would be released through official channels.
It warned applicants against visiting any location before the schedule is formally announced.
The Service urged Nigerians in the UK to monitor the official communication channels of the Nigerian High Commission for updates on the exercise.
For enquiries and complaints, the NIS provided passport.london@immigration.gov.ng and a WhatsApp-only line, +234 916 087 8000.
The Service said its digital passport application platforms, including the Contactless Passport Application System, would continue to operate throughout the intervention.
Existing passport home-delivery services will also remain available.
The NIS said the temporary deployment was part of efforts to make passport services more accessible, efficient and responsive to Nigerians in the diaspora.
