UK Launches Africa's Largest Visa Application Centre in Lagos [PHOTOS]

Lagos Hosts UK's Largest Visa Application Centre in Africa

“I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one...”

The UK has inaugurated Africa's largest visa application centre in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with VFS Global, to enhance visa application services for Nigerians.

The United Kingdom has officially inaugurated Africa's largest visa application centre in Lagos State, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance visa application services for Nigerians.

In partnership with VFS Global, the UK's new commercial partner, the state-of-the-art facility was launched on November 27. This development is part of a broader initiative to expand and modernize the UK's visa application network in Nigeria.

Nigerian travelers planning to visit the UK can now schedule appointments to submit their visa applications at VFS Global's modern Visa Application Centres (VACs) located in Abuja, Ikeja, and Victoria Island. These centres commenced operations on November 19, offering a more convenient and streamlined visa application process.

“I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK's most important partners, and we hope that VFS deliver ever improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” the British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said.

Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of the new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, stating: “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.”

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225 thousand UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants.”

Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, emphasized that the launch of the new UK visa application center in Lagos underscores the strong and lasting partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of both nations to facilitate travel and foster economic growth.

“We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in Nigeria,” he said.

“We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services.”

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