NIS Sends Special Passport Team to UK to Clear Backlog, Process New and Renewal Applications

Nigerians living in the United Kingdom will receive expanded access to passport services as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) deploys a special intervention team to tackle pending applications and provide fresh enrolment and renewal services.

The intervention begins on Monday, August 10, 2026, with the team from the NIS headquarters working alongside the Nigerian High Commission in London. The move was announced by the NIS on its official X account on Sunday.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directed the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, to deploy the team to the UK as part of efforts to improve passport services for Nigerians living overseas.

The NIS said the exercise will cover Nigerians with pending passport applications, first-time applicants and those whose current passports have less than one year before expiry. Applicants taking part in the enrolment process are required to present their completed application forms and proof of payment.

The intervention team will also travel to selected cities across the UK, allowing applicants outside London to access passport enrolment and processing services without having to travel to the capital. The service said the team will work with the Nigerian High Commission to process pending, new and renewal applications.

However, the NIS has urged Nigerians not to visit any location until the official schedule is released. Details of the selected cities, dates, venues and enrolment times will be communicated through the appropriate official channels.

The Service also said its online passport platforms, including the Contactless Passport Application System, will remain operational throughout the intervention. Nigerians who prefer home delivery can continue to use the passport home-delivery option.

The UK deployment forms part of wider Federal Government efforts to improve passport access for Nigerians abroad and reduce the need for repeated physical visits to passport centres. It follows measures introduced in 2025 to expand and simplify passport services for Nigerians living outside the country.