Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark move to enhance travel facilitation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the UK has unveiled its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, located in the bustling Ikeja district of Lagos. Operated by the UK’s new commercial partner, VFS Global, this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in the provision of visa services across the continent.
With additional Visa Application Centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigerian residents traveling to the UK can now access improved services and an expanded range of options for submitting their visa applications. The new centres, operational since November 19, aim to streamline the application process for one of Africa’s most active travel populations.
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations
At the official launch on November 27, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, emphasized the importance of the UK’s partnership with Nigeria.
“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 delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” Baxter stated.
The enhanced visa services underscore the strong ties between the two nations, with Nigeria consistently ranking among the top African countries by volume of UK visa applications.
A New Era for UK Visa Services
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), described the new facility as a step forward in delivering efficient and accessible services to Nigerian nationals.
“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 meet the needs of all applicants,” Owen said.
Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
The new Visa Application Centres are equipped with advanced features and optional premium services designed to provide a seamless experience for applicants. Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, expressed excitement about the new partnership, highlighting its customer-focused approach.
“We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travelers from Nigeria our best-in-class services,” Singhal remarked.
Applicants can now choose from optional services such as:
- Document Upload Assistance: Support for digital submission of application documents.
- Prime Time Submission: Extended application hours for added flexibility.
- SMS Notifications: Real-time updates on application status.
- Courier Passport Return: Convenient delivery of passports once decisions are made.
- Keep My Passport While Applying: Allows applicants to retain their passports during the process, with re-submission required only after a decision is reached.
For those in Abuja, VFS Global offers an On-Demand Mobile Visa service, enabling customers to complete their applications from the comfort of their homes or offices. The Premium Lounge service also provides a personalized and luxurious experience, complete with dedicated staff support.
Meeting Growing Demand
Nigeria is one of the largest sources of UK visa applications globally, accounting for 5% of the worldwide total for visit visas. This new facility reflects the growing demand for travel between the two countries and the UK’s commitment to accommodating this need.
VFS Global, which has partnered with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, previously offered services in 58 countries but now operates in 142 countries worldwide. The expansion aims to set new standards in visa facilitation, particularly in Africa, where demand for UK travel continues to grow.
A Testament to Bilateral Cooperation
The launch of the Ikeja centre and the expansion of VFS Global’s operations in Nigeria signal a renewed commitment to strengthening UK-Nigeria relations. By providing world-class services and tailored solutions, the UK seeks to make travel easier and more convenient for Nigerian citizens.
This development is expected to bolster people-to-people connections, deepen bilateral ties, and encourage greater collaboration between the two nations in areas such as education, tourism, and business.
As Nigeria continues to lead the African region in UK visa applications, the introduction of these advanced facilities ensures that Nigerians can enjoy a smoother and more efficient visa application process—an essential step in fostering closer ties with one of their most significant international partners.
