The United Kingdom on Wednesday opened its largest visa application centre in Africa in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The facility, operated by VFS Global, aims to streamline and enhance the visa application process for Nigerians travelling to the UK, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos.
With additional centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos operational since November 19, the facility in Ikeja is designed to streamline visa submissions and offer applicants a seamless experience.
At the inauguration, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship.
“I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS will deliver ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” Baxter stated.
The Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, Marc Owen, described the development as a milestone in offering world-class visa services.
He noted that over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed up till reflecting the growing demand for travel to the UK.
Owen said, “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.
“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants,” he added.
The new centre introduces various enhancements, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment. In addition, residents in Abuja can now benefit from a Mobile Visa Service, while a Premium Lounge offers a personalised experience with dedicated staff.
The optional services aim to provide greater convenience for applicants without affecting processing times or outcomes.
Nigerians account for five percent of global UK visit visa applications.
VFS Global, which has been a partner of UKVI since 2003, has expanded its operations from 58 to 142 countries.
