Lagos, Nigeria – The United Kingdom has significantly expanded its visa services in Africa by opening its largest Visa Application Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. Operated by VFS Global, the new centre aims to streamline the visa application process for Nigerian travellers.
The launch event, attended by British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, underscored the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship. Baxter highlighted the UK’s commitment to providing improved services for Nigerian visa applicants.
“Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners,” Baxter said. “We hope this new centre will provide improved services for those applying for visas.”
Pleased to attend the opening of the biggest UK Visa Application Centre in Africa – here in Ikeja, Lagos.
Looking forward to the efficient services that will be provided by @VFSGlobal to meet the needs of all UK visa applicants.@UKVIgovuk #UKVisas pic.twitter.com/SGxnocQ0ex
— Jonny Baxter (@JonnyBaxterFCDO) November 27, 2024Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, emphasized the high demand for UK visas from Nigerian nationals. Over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigeria were processed in the year leading up to June 2024.
The new centre offers a range of enhanced services, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option to retain passports after biometric enrollment. Additionally, Abuja residents can now utilize a Mobile Visa Service for convenient application submissions.
The UK remains a popular destination for Nigerian travellers, accounting for five percent of all global UK visit visa applications. The opening of this new facility reflects the UK’s dedication to providing efficient and accessible visa services to its Nigerian citizens.
