Nigeria Immigration Service extends UK passport intervention to 27 November

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on 27 October that its Special Passport Intervention exercise in the United Kingdom will now operate from 3 November until 27 November 2026. The extension follows a statement by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinisola Akinlabi, and aligns with a directive from Interior Minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo.

The extended phase will be held at the same locations used previously. In London, services continue at 56‑57 Fleet Street, Temple, EC4Y 1JU. Manchester’s venue remains the Nigerian House, 23 Platt Lane. In Aberdeen, the Hilton Convention Centre on Smithfield Road will operate only until 6 November, as will the Western Leisure Centre in Ely, Cardiff. Applicants must book appointments through the NIS passport intervention portal or the Nigeria High Commission website and are required to attend at their scheduled times; cash payments will not be accepted at the centres.

Background

The intervention programme was introduced to bring passport services closer to Nigerians living in the UK by setting up temporary centres across several cities. Initially, the exercise was scheduled to end on 30 September, but high demand prompted an extension to 3‑30 October. A further extension to 3‑30 October was later announced, and the latest notice extends the operation to the end of November. Both extensions cite sustained demand and the need to accommodate more applicants. The NIS has indicated that the programme is part of broader administrative reforms within the Federal Ministry of Interior, including tenure extensions for heads of the NIS and the Nigerian Correctional Service, and measures aimed at reducing passport processing backlogs.

Why it matters

The extension directly affects Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom who require passport renewal or new issuance. By providing additional dates and maintaining multiple service points, the NIS aims to reduce waiting times and alleviate the backlog that has plagued passport applicants. The requirement for pre‑booked appointments and the prohibition of cash payments are intended to streamline the process and improve transparency. The Ministry of Interior’s involvement underscores the importance placed on diaspora services and reflects ongoing efforts to modernise immigration administration.

What happens next

The NIS has indicated that the extended exercise will conclude on 27 November, after which it will assess the remaining demand and decide on any further actions. No additional dates have been announced, but the service’s public notice suggests that future extensions would be considered if demand persists. Applicants are advised to secure appointments promptly and adhere to the stipulated schedules to ensure they receive passport services within the extended window.