Immigration moves to clear passport backlog in four UK cities

The Nigeria Immigration Service on Monday said it will deploy a passport intervention team to four cities in the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, Aberdeen and Cardiff, between September 7 and September 26, 2026, to attend to Nigerians seeking new passports, renewals or resolution of pending applications.

This was contained in a statement signed Monday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi.

According to the statement, the exercise is a sequel to an earlier announcement on the deployment of the intervention team, which was directed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Akinlabi said it followed due consultation with the High Commission of Nigeria and representatives of Nigerian communities in the UK.

The Service stated that the provisional locations, venues and dates include “London, at Layali Lounge, Trent Park, Bramley Road, London N14 4UW, from September 7 to 19; Manchester, at Nigerian House, 23 Platt Lane, Manchester M14 5NE, from September 7 to 19; Aberdeen, at Hilton Convention Centre, 13 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen AB24 4NR, from September 21 to 26; and Cardiff, at Sophia Gardens, Sophia Walk, Cardiff CF11 9XR, from September 21 to 26.”

It said all eligible Nigerians in the specified locations and surrounding areas who wish to obtain new passports, renew existing ones, or resolve pending applications are encouraged to take advantage of the exercise and visit the designated venues on the scheduled dates.

Applicants, the statement said, are to apply and make payment through the NIS Passport Application portal ahead of the exercise.

According to Akinlabi, to be attended to at the venues, applicants are required to present a completed application form, payment slips as proof of payment, an appointment slip, a self-addressed return envelope, and, in the case of renewal, their current passport.

However, he warned that cash payments will not be accepted at the venues.

“NB: Applicants who come with cash will not be attended to. Applicants are required to cooperate fully with officials to ensure a smooth and orderly exercise,” the statement read.

The NIS also assured that its digital application channels remain fully functional throughout the exercise.

“All NIS digital passport application channels, including the Contactless Passport Application System, remain fully operational. The home delivery service is also available to applicants.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to efficient, transparent and responsive passport Service Delivery to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora,” Akinlabi said.