By Milton Tella – The Nigeria High Commission London has announced that application for passport issuance has continued to receive prompt attention despite the suspension of Fast Track services for urgent travellers.
The Mission in a statement made available to African Voice, said, The embassy will continue to invite applicants who have been awaiting Mission’s invitation for appointment.
The Mission said it has made significant progress on the passport application backlog. Currently, the High Commission is inviting through email those applicants who made their passport application in or before May 2021 for biometric capture and processing.
Just when the temporary suspension of Fast-Track application service was announced on the 20th September 2021 for those seeking urgent travel, the Nigeria High Commission London said, it has made adequate provisions to ensure its citizens are not stranded in the United Kingdom.
The statement stated that the Mission is not unaware of the importance of passports to Nigerians in the UK. Therefore, Nigerians, who need to travel to Nigeria urgently, can apply for the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
African Voice has been inundated with enquiries on Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC). In this edition, African Voice spoke with an official of the Immigration Section of the Mission who provided answers to the frequently asked questions.
Q: What are the requirements for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)?
ETC requirements for adults: It is a one-way document to Nigeria lasting only ONE MONTH from date of issue.
Applicants are to provide the following:
1. Flight ticket
2. Two passport size photographs of the applicant
3. Photocopy of Nigerian passport data page
4. £120.00 (One Hundred & Twenty Pounds) Postal Order made payable to the Nigeria High Commission London.
Q: What days can ETC applicants visit the Mission?
Opening time of Nigeria High Commission: 9.00am to 1.00pm business days (Monday – Friday).
Q: How long does it take for the ETC to be ready?
The ETC is easy and straightforward, it is issued to applicants on the same day.
Q: Must the applicants have a British passport?
It’s preferable if the applicant has a British passport or British Residency Certificate so the applicant can return to the UK since ETC is a one-way document.
Q: Would applicants be required to present further evidence of proof of UK residency to Nigeria Immigration Service before departing Nigeria?
If the applicants don’t intend to return to the UK, there’s no need to prove residency in the UK.
Q: Are there any other necessary information for a passenger using ETC?
The ETC is collected from the applicant by Nigeria Immigration Service upon arrival at the airport in Nigeria.
Applicants should apply for ETC, a few days before travel date or a week or maximum two weeks before, as it expires within one month of issue.
The ETC only takes applicants to Nigeria not anywhere else.
Send-forth dinner in honour of Ambassador Ibrahim Gambo Zanna
His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK, hosted a send-forth dinner in honour of Ambassador Ibrahim Gambo Zanna, Minister & Chief of Protocol at his residence in Abuja House, Campden Hill, Kensington London, on Sunday 19th September 2021.
Ambassador Isola has resuscitated the tradition of honouring outgoing officers of the Mission, in another of his moves to raise officers’ morale and show appreciation for the services they have rendered.
At the send-forth dinner, senior officers of the High Commission presented glowing tributes to Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna.
Ambassador Zanna’s colleagues described him as a fine officer and a gentleman who is dedicated to service to his country. He is returning to Abuja, Nigeria on further posting.
In his parting words, the High Commissioner, Ambassador Isola commended Ambassador Zanna for his hard work and dedication.
Ambassador Zanna will be remembered for all the exemplary services he rendered during his tenure especially during the evacuation flights for stranded Nigerians in the UK at the peak of Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The evacuation flight operations, was the hallmark of his career at the Nigeria High Commission London.
In a touching and emotional response to the accolades from his colleagues, Ambassador Zanna thanked Almighty Allah for given him the grace to serve, he thanked his family, the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner, his colleagues and the entire staff of the Mission for the support and love he received during his service at the embassy.
He further thanked His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Isola for the dinner, while describing him as a man with the Midas touch.
Her Excellency, Mrs Saliat Isola, the spouse of the High Commissioner, presented a parting gift on behalf of the High Commissioner to Ambassador Zanna and his wife Dr. Zanna.
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