The Nigeria High Commission London has announced the suspension of the passport fast-track service with effect from Monday, 20 September 2021 until further notice.
The media release made available to African Voice reads: The Nigeria High Commission wishes to thank all Nigerians who have been availing themselves of the services being rendered by the Commission, especially passport applicants, for their understanding and cooperation since the Mission was re-opened to the public in April 2021, after the Covid-19 lockdown. Mission appreciates all the kind words of commendation and promised to continue to work tirelessly to improve all aspects of its service delivery.
Challenges with passport issuance
It is important to be transparent in our conduct of public affairs and apprise members of the public with the challenges in the processing of applications for Nigerian Passports in the United Kingdom.
Consequently, Mission wishes to announce to the general public, especially applicants for passport fast-track service, that, with effect from Monday, 20th September, 2021, the Passport fast- track service would be suspended until further notice. As a result of the suspension, the Mission will attend to the invited applicants on scheduled appointments. This decision was taken due to certain logistic challenges in the passport issuance process.
Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
It should be emphasized that the Mission is not unaware of the importance of passport to Nigerians in the UK. However, the current situation has made it imperative for this to be brought to the attention of Passport Applicants in good time. Meanwhile Nigerians, who need to travel to Nigeria urgently, can apply for the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
Regular passport applications ongoing
Furthermore, Mission will continue to invite applicants who have been awaiting Mission’s invitation for appointment. To date, applications with online payments submitted in April 2021 are currently being treated and this process will continue. Their applications would be processed up till biometrics stage while they will submit their collection slips with a self-addressed special delivery envelope for postage.
It is pertinent to state that from December 2019 to 15th September, 2021, 30,993 passport applications were received. Since Mission commenced passport processing in April 2021 up to date, 30,984 passport applications have been enrolled, while 28,239 passports have been issued and posted to the respective applicants, all within the space of five months of resumption post Covid-19 lockdown.
The Mission is currently processing Passport applications for the month of April 2021. Thereafter, the backlog applications from May 2021 would be addressed.
The concluding part of the statement reads: We therefore crave the indulgence of fellow compatriots to exercise patience while the logistic challenges are being addressed. On its part, the Mission will continue to invite applicants as at when due.
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