By Milton Tella – The profile of Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria as a leading member of the 54 countries that make up the Commonwealth is on the rise.
Nigeria now belongs to the Executive Committee for 2022/23 joining the ranks of the eight largest contributors. These are the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia and Nigeria.
At the recently concluded annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Secretariat on 18 May 2022, it was agreed for the Secretariat to consult with regions to finalise the constitution of the Executive Committee.
A formal letter upgrading the position of Nigeria among the nations that make up the Commonwealth was sent from the Secretariat to the Nigeria High Commission London on 9 June 2022.
Observers believe that, with Nigeria now at the Executive Committee, the Commonwealth countries in the Africa region will begin to enjoy its membership to its full complement.
The High Commissioner of Nigeria to the UK, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has been commended for his passion and zeal in championing his country’s interests amongst the Commonwealth of Nations.
In furtherance of his responsibility for his own fellow citizens living in the UK, the Ambassador has prioritised regular engagement and communication with different diaspora organisations.
On 7 June 2022, His Excellency Sarafa Tunji Isola, received at the Nigeria High Commission London, representatives of the Nigeria Community in Manchester, the United Kingdom. They discussed and presented to His Excellency, the needs and challenges of Nigerians in their region.
Closure of High Commission on public holidays
Nigeria High Commission, London, has further reiterated its commitment to providing effective and efficient service delivery to Nigerians and the entire public in the United Kingdom.
The Nigeria High Commission London, in a statement released on its website said, “The Nigeria High Commission, London, notes with deep concern, the teeming presence of Nigerians at the High Commission on public holidays for services relating to passport renewals, Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs), visas, and other consular issues.
We wish to reiterate to Nigerians in the United Kingdom and the general public that the High Commission will not be opened during the holidays declared by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Her Majesty’s Government.
In view of the foregoing, we implore Nigerians and the entire members of the public to always revert to the High Commission’s website for information on opening days and hours of the Mission before embarking on a visit to the High Commission.
Please note that applicants for Nigerian passports who are given biometric appointments on public holidays (through the appointment generated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, Abuja) will have an opportunity to visit the Nigeria High Commission, London, at a convenient date thereafter for biometrics within the next two weeks.”
Apply six months before passport expiration
The Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK) Passport Liaison Committee has issued a special message for Nigerians in the United Kingdom to apply for a new passport before the expiry date on their Nigerian passport.
In a statement titled Special Message For Nigerians in the UK, made available to African Voice, CANUK urged Nigerians in the UK not to wait till they receive “that call” from home before they try to get their expired Nigerian passport renewed.
The concluding part of the statement reads: “There is no fast track service anymore and the current process takes at least 3-6 months.
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT NOW
If it’s expired or has less than 6 months validity left on it, complete & submit an application at:
And book your biometrics appointment at: www.appointments.immigration.gov.ng
Please ensure you have your validated NIN before you attempt to apply for your passport”.
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