NIS PROCESSES 230 NIGERIANS ON FIRST DAY OF UK PASSPORT INTERVENTION EXERCISE

The Nigeria Immigration Service has processed 230 applicants on the opening day of its Special Intervention Exercise in the United Kingdom, despite a temporary technical disruption that affected biometric enrolment at one of the designated centres. The exercise was launched to address passport-related needs among Nigerians in the UK, with officials working to ensure that applicants with scheduled appointments were attended to.

According to the NIS, all 230 applicants who had booked appointments were eventually processed and had their biometric information captured. The London Centre handled 90 applicants, while another 140 were attended to at the Manchester Centre, where the technical issue temporarily disrupted the biometric process. The Service said the problem was resolved promptly, allowing the exercise to continue.

The development followed complaints surrounding the commencement of the intervention exercise, particularly at the Manchester Centre, where applicants reportedly experienced difficulties accessing the venue. There were also concerns over the organisation of the exercise and the arrangements for Nigerians who had travelled considerable distances to obtain passport services. The situation generated criticism from some Nigerians on social media, with calls for better coordination of the exercise.

The NIS acknowledged the patience and understanding of applicants during the disruption and assured Nigerians that it remained committed to providing a more efficient passport application process. The Service said the technical challenge had been addressed and that operations proceeded after the interruption, with officials continuing to attend to applicants who had secured appointments.

The intervention exercise is expected to continue in the United Kingdom in the coming days as the immigration authorities work through the demand for passport services. The NIS said its priority remained ensuring that applicants receive the required services while addressing operational challenges that may arise during the exercise. The development comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve passport services for Nigerians living abroad.