The UK authorities has reopened its visa software facilities in Enugu and Port Harcourt for simpler entry to visa companies for residents within the southern area of Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Deputy British Excessive Commissioner and Head of the UK Mission in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, by means of the official X (previously Twitter) account of the UK in Nigeria.
Jonny Baxter mentioned the visa facilities will likely be situated of their former venues Presidential Resort in Port Harcourt and Omidal Luxurious Resort in Enugu.
“I’m delighted to announce the reopening of our visa software centres in Port Harcourt and Enugu. By reopening these centres, we’re serving to these of you based mostly within the south to entry our companies regionally, with out the necessity to journey lengthy distances.
As earlier than, the centres will likely be situated within the Presidential Resort, Port Harcourt, and Omidal Luxurious Resort, Enugu,” he mentioned.
Baxter additionally acknowledged that the centres will provide expanded companies aimed toward making the method extra handy for candidates.
“I’m additionally delighted that candidates utilizing these centres can profit from further companies equivalent to Maintain My Passport whereas making use of, so you possibly can maintain on to your passport till a call is made, in addition to others, the doc add assist and standing updates.”
This implies candidates not must give up their passports whereas awaiting a visa choice, permitting extra flexibility for home or regional journey within the interim.
He suggested potential candidates to plan their journey and functions early, particularly forward of peak durations.
“Should you’re planning to journey to the UK within the coming months, whether or not for work, research, tourism, or to go to family and friends, please do begin planning now. You possibly can apply as much as three months earlier than your level of journey, and I actually encourage you to do that, to keep away from the height interval after we’re coping with 1000’s of functions a day.”
Baxter additionally cautioned candidates to make sure they perceive the paperwork they’ll want to offer and have them able to submit a whole software.
In late 2023, the British Excessive Fee in Nigeria introduced the opening of a brand new short-term submission middle for UK visas in Enugu State. The fee defined that demand for visa companies could be rigorously monitored, and companies reviewed or expanded ought to there be enough volumes.
TLScontact had operated UK visa software facilities in Nigeria for a number of years. Nonetheless, the UK visa software service started transitioning from TLScontact to VFS International in September 2024, with the transition accomplished by January 2025. VFS International now manages all UK visa functions in Nigeria as a part of a broader shift involving 31 African nations and different areas globally.
Following the transition, UK Visa Software facilities had been situated in Abuja at Mezzanine Flooring, Tower C, Churchgate Plaza, Plot 473, Cadastral Zone AO, Structure Avenue, Central Enterprise District; in Lagos (Ikeja) at 2nd Flooring, Ile Oja Opebi Mall, Opebi, Hyperlink Highway; and in Lagos (Victoria Island) at 2nd Flooring, Churchgate Plaza Tower 2, PC 31 Churchgate Road.
Nairametrics reported in late 2024 that the British Excessive Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, acknowledged that Nigerians account for 10% of all new visas issued up to now two years.
