UK Processes 225,000 Visas for Nigerians in Six Months, Launches Africa’s Largest Visa Centre in Lagos

The United Kingdom has inaugurated its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, located in Ikeja, Lagos. Managed by VFS Global, this new centre represents a major development in improving visa services for Nigerians wishing to travel to the UK.

The announcement was made by the British High Commission in Lagos on Wednesday. This new Ikeja facility, operational since November 19, joins other centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, and is designed to streamline the visa application process, providing a smoother experience for applicants.

Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner, attended the launch, highlighting the strong relationship between the UK and Nigeria. He expressed confidence that the new centre would significantly enhance service delivery for those applying for UK visas.

Baxter remarked, “I’m thrilled to see the opening of the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains a key partner for the UK, and we look forward to continued improvements in the visa process through VFS Global.”

Marc Owen, the Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, called the opening of the Ikeja centre a significant milestone in providing high-quality visa services. He pointed out that over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerians had been processed in the 12 months leading to June 2024, underscoring the high demand for travel to the UK.

“This new VAC in Ikeja marks a key milestone in our efforts to offer world-class visa services in Nigeria and across Africa. With over 225,000 UK visas processed for Nigerian nationals in the past year, this collaboration ensures our services are both accessible and efficient,” Owen noted.

The new facility offers a range of upgraded services, including help with document uploads, extended submission hours, SMS notifications, passport returns via courier, and the option for applicants to keep their passports after biometric collection.

Additionally, Nigerians in Abuja can now use the Mobile Visa Service to submit applications from more convenient locations, while a Premium Lounge option offers a tailored experience with dedicated staff for those seeking extra assistance.

These enhanced services are designed to provide greater convenience without compromising processing times or results.

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for Nigerian travellers, who represent 5% of all global UK visit visa applications. This new centre further highlights the UK’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for visa services.

VFS Global, a long-time partner of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, now operates in 142 countries, further solidifying its role in managing visa services globally.