The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has processed 2,296 Nigerians during the first six days of its special passport intervention programme in the United Kingdom.
The exercise was launched to address delays affecting passport applications among Nigerians living in the UK and reduce the backlog of pending requests.
The Nigeria Immigration Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed the figures in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
Manchester Records Highest Number of Applicants
According to the immigration authority, the intervention began on September 7, 2026, with processing centres established in London and Manchester.
Akinlabi said 587 applicants were successfully enrolled at the London centre, while Manchester recorded 1,709 applicants during the same period.
The Manchester centre accounted for approximately 74 per cent of all applicants processed during the six-day exercise.
Exercise Targets Passport Delays Among Nigerians Abroad
The special intervention was introduced following concerns over prolonged passport processing times experienced by Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Nigeria Immigration Service said the programme was designed to improve access to passport services and provide relief to applicants who had experienced delays.
Only applicants with confirmed appointments were attended to at the intervention centres.
Immigration Chief Monitors Exercise
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nandap, visited both the London and Manchester centres to assess the progress of the programme.
The NIS spokesperson said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen supervision, maintain service standards and ensure applicants receive efficient support.
He added that Nandap also engaged with members of the Nigerian community during the inspection.
Passport Production and Delivery Underway
Akinlabi said passport production and dispatch had commenced for applicants who completed their enrolment process.
He explained that the process was continuing smoothly, with immigration officials attending to scheduled applicants at both locations.
“The exercise is continuing at the London and Manchester centres. Applicants with confirmed intervention appointments will be attended to,” he said.
NIS Appeals for Cooperation
The immigration service thanked Nigerians in the UK for their patience and cooperation throughout the exercise.
The agency urged applicants to continue following appointment procedures and cooperate with officials to ensure faster processing.
