LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Nigerians living in the United Kingdom are set to benefit from a dedicated passport intervention exercise as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) deploys a special team to the UK to address outstanding passport applications and provide services to new and existing applicants.
The intervention team began its deployment on August 10, 2026, following a directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The minister directed the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, to deploy officials from the NIS headquarters to work alongside the Nigerian High Commission in London during the exercise.
According to the announcement by the NIS on its official X account, the intervention is designed to provide additional support to Nigerians in the diaspora who require passport services.
Who Can Benefit From the Intervention?
The exercise is open to three main categories of applicants.
1. Applicants with pending passport applications
Nigerians who have already submitted passport applications but are still waiting for their applications to be processed can benefit from the intervention.
The deployment is expected to help address outstanding applications and reduce delays experienced by applicants.
2. New passport applicants
Nigerians in the UK who have not previously applied for a passport can also take advantage of the intervention to enrol and begin the passport application process.
3. Nigerians due for passport renewal
Existing passport holders whose passports have less than one year remaining before expiry are eligible to apply for renewal under the intervention exercise.
Why the UK Intervention Matters
Passport processing has remained an important issue for Nigerians living abroad, particularly for those who need valid Nigerian travel documents for international travel, immigration matters, identification and other official purposes.
For Nigerians whose passports are approaching expiry, the intervention could provide an opportunity to begin the renewal process without waiting until the document expires.
The involvement of officials from the NIS headquarters is also expected to provide additional capacity to the Nigerian diplomatic mission in London during the exercise.
Nigerians Advised to Follow Official Information
Applicants should rely on official information from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian High Commission in London regarding appointment procedures, documentation requirements, enrolment arrangements and any applicable fees.
Applicants should also be cautious about individuals or agents claiming they can secure passport appointments or expedite applications in exchange for unofficial payments.
The NIS intervention comes as Nigeria continues efforts to improve passport services for citizens living outside the country and address the challenges associated with high demand for Nigerian passports in the diaspora.
For Nigerians in the UK with pending applications, new applicants and those whose passports have less than one year to expiry, the intervention provides an opportunity to engage directly with the ongoing passport service process.
