NIS Extends UK Passport Intervention Exercise to October 3 after Enrolling 1,477 in Four Days

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has extended the end of its ongoing passport intervention exercise in the United Kingdom (UK) from September 19 to October 3.

Akinsola Akinlabi, NIS public relations officer, said in a statement on Friday that the extension followed a directive from Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, in response to “the high turnout and interest shown”.

The passport intervention, scheduled to run from September 7 to 19, was launched to clear backlogs involving new passport applications, renewals and pending cases.

According to Akinlabi, 1,477 Nigerians were successfully processed and enrolled within the first four days of the exercise.

“Over half of those enrolled have already had their passports produced and dispatched to their respective addresses,” the NIS spokesperson said.

He said the extension is intended to provide additional capacity to accommodate the increasing demand and ensure that as many eligible applicants are attended to.

On the first day of the exercise, applicants protested additional administrative fees and delays in processing applications after the Nigeria high commission in London imposed an extra £70 for administration without approval from the ministry of foreign affairs, and £150 for lost passports.

In Friday’s statement, Akinlabi said applicable fees remain $162 for a five-year validity passport booklet and $242 for a ten-year validity booklet.

“No additional charges are required to participate in the intervention exercise,” he added.

The NIS official said eligible applicants are, however, required to book appointments for the special intervention exercise via the high commission’s website and to present a completed application form and payment receipt; appointment slip for the intervention exercise; current passport (where applicable) and; a self-addressed return envelope at their scheduled appointment.

He said further information regarding the extended dates, participating locations and appointment procedures will be communicated through the official channels of both the NIS and high commission.