By Milton Tella – Service users and visitors to the Nigeria High Commission UK, will not fail to recognise the radical transformation that is happening out there.
The task of returning the Nigeria High Commission London to a place of pride appears to be progressing at a very fast rate.
Report from many, on their past experiences at the Nigeria High Commission London, is not a harmonious one.
But the new High Commissioner, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola and his team seem to have pressed a reboot button. Many will wonder, what is the miracle that is going on in the Nigeria Mission House in London? Can we experience what we so desired in such a short time? What has changed? Can these changes be sustained?
A recent visit to the Nigeria High Commission London by the African Voice, revealed that the usual rowdy experience at the Immigration Section has given way to an orderly, smooth and fast running of the passport application processing and biometric capturing.
African Voice, can reveal that there is really some magic going on regarding staff morale and the approach to clearing the passport backlog as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Monday, 28th June 2021, the usually packed applicants’ waiting room of the Immigration Section was completely cleared as at 3.00pm. Members of staff in the biometric room were only attending on post capturing administrative work.
One of the administrative staff said, “there is an obvious difference in the style of leadership. The new High Commissioner, His Excellency, Ambassador Isola has given us clear directives. One can only count on the cooperation of applicants, we hope many will not be coming to us with old perceptions and wrong attitudes.”
“Work orientation has changed for us at the Nigeria High Commission London. There is the urgency for the Mission to work better for the Nigerian community in the UK. Days when Nigerians will dread coming to the Mission are now in the past.
We advised Nigerians not to always leave passport renewal applications till the last minute. Application for renewal can be made six months to expiration.
Out of 18,000 passport applications awaiting processing as of 31stMarch 2021, the Immigration Section has now dealt with over 17,000 and applications made in February 2021 are currently being processed. The turnout per day is presently at 250 applicants per day.
Most applicants with technical errors and other mistakes are now resolved more quickly”.
African Voice spoke with Mr. Kunle Adugbe, a UK based musician who was the only applicant in the Immigration Section waiting room at 3.00pm on Monday, 28th June, 2021.
Kunle said, “My passport application which was made in Nigeria on my visit in 2019 is still unissued and l came to the London embassy to seek help as l needed to travel urgently. My visit here today is for advice on what to do. I was advised to apply for an Emergency Travel Certificate. I must say the staff has been very helpful. I went back for the necessary documents requested and returned late but the assistance has been very encouraging.”
The calm and orderly atmosphere currently at the Nigeria High Commission London, has not been so in such a long time. The staffs are friendlier and more courteous, while passport production is a lot quicker.
Visitors to the Mission will not only witness a change in service delivery but a building that has implemented COVID-19 secured measures. The High Commission reception hall known as Tafida Hall has undergone a facelift, with a new look that now makes it warmer and more welcoming.
Many observers of the recent activities, at the Nigeria High Commission London, believes the man with the ‘magic wand’ is now holding sway, we only hope that this magic will be sustainable.
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