The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced an extension of its Special Passport Intervention Exercise in the United Kingdom. The exercise, initially set to conclude, has been rescheduled to run from October 6 to October 30, 2026. This decision was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in response to a high turnout and sustained demand from Nigerians residing in the UK.
The intervention exercise will be conducted at designated centres in London, Manchester, and Aberdeen. The venue for Cardiff will be announced at a later date. To manage the process efficiently, the NIS has mandated that all intending applicants must book an appointment. Eligible applicants are required to schedule their visits through the provided portal or the Nigeria High Commission’s website and strictly adhere to their allocated dates and times.
The agency emphasised that this measure aims to ensure an orderly process and minimise delays. Applicants attending the intervention centres must present a completed application form, proof of payment slips, their intervention appointment printout, and a self-addressed return envelope. For passport renewals, the presentation of the applicant’s current passport is mandatory.
The NIS also strictly noted that cash payments will not be accepted at the venues. This policy is part of the agency's efforts to streamline the application process and reduce potential issues. Applicants are required to make payments through approved channels before attending the intervention centres.
In addition to the Special Passport Intervention Exercise, the NIS reaffirmed that its Contactless Passport Application System remains fully operational. Eligible Nigerians are encouraged to utilize the digital platform to renew their passports without the need to physically visit an embassy, high commission, or consulate.
The Contactless Passport Application System provides an efficient and convenient option for Nigerians to renew their passports. This digital platform is part of the NIS's efforts to improve its services and reduce the backlog of passport applications. The agency continues to work on enhancing its services to meet the demands of Nigerians both locally and internationally.
The extension of the Special Passport Intervention Exercise and the operational Contactless Passport Application System demonstrate the NIS's commitment to providing efficient services to Nigerians. The agency's efforts aim to address the passport needs of the Nigerian community in the UK and beyond, ensuring that citizens can obtain necessary travel documents in a timely manner.
Key points
- The Nigeria Immigration Service has extended its Special Passport Intervention Exercise in the UK until October 30, 2026.
- The exercise will take place at designated centres in London, Manchester, and Aberdeen, with the Cardiff venue to be announced later.
- The NIS's Contactless Passport Application System remains operational, allowing eligible Nigerians to renew passports digitally.
