The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has relocated its special passport intervention exercise in London to a new venue following a disruption at the initial location.
The intervention, which began on September 7 in London and Manchester, aims to clear passport backlogs and provide services to Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.
Applicants were required to complete their applications online and secure appointments before visiting the designated centres. However, the first day of the exercise was marred by delays, long queues and venue-related challenges in London.
Only 90 applicants reportedly had their passports processed in London on the opening day, while 140 applications were processed in Manchester.
The London exercise initially held at Layali Lounge reportedly faced a dispute over arrangements at the venue. The venue owner was said to have called the police and locked the premises over alleged unpaid arrangements, forcing immigration officials to move the operation.
However, following the disruption, the NIS moved the London intervention to Fleet Street, where operations reportedly became smoother on the second day.
The service also clarified that applicants should not pay additional charges beyond the approved passport fees. The fees stand at $150 for a five year passport and $230 for a 10 year passport.
The NIS urged applicants to adhere strictly to their appointment schedules and follow official instructions throughout the intervention, which is expected to continue through mid-September.
Notably, the exercise forms part of efforts by the immigration authorities to tackle passport backlogs and improve access to passport services for Nigerians abroad.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
