The United Kingdom has inaugurated Africa’s largest visa application centre in Lagos, Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in enhancing visa services for Nigerian travelers.
The centre, operated by VFS Global, The UK’s new commercial partner began operations on November 19. It features modern facilities designed to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians visiting the UK. Similar centres are also operational in Abuja, Ikeja (Lagos), and Victoria Island (Lagos).
Speaking at the opening, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter emphasized the importance of the development, stating, “Nigeria remains one of the UK’s key partners. This new centre demonstrates our commitment to delivering improved visa services.”
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), highlighted the significance of the new facility in Ikeja. He said, “This launch is a major step in providing a world-class visa service in Nigeria and across Africa. In the year to June 2024, we processed over 225,000 UK visas for Nigerians, and this partnership underscores our dedication to accessibility and efficiency.”
The new centre underscores the UK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Nigeria while ensuring visa services remain efficient and user-friendly.
