Nigerian Passport Office Manchester UK: Community Demands Permanent Service

• Nigerians in Northern England are advocating for a permanent Nigerian passport office in Manchester to improve consular service accessibility.
• A recent passport intervention saw Manchester process 1,709 enrolments in six days, nearly triple London's 587 during the same period.
• The Nigerian Community Greater Manchester, led by Abayomi Bashiru-Kaka, highlighted the significant demand and the difficulties faced by citizens traveling to London.
• Residents from cities like Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle currently incur substantial costs and time away from work to access services at the Nigerian High Commission London.
• The community urges the Nigeria Immigration Service UK and other authorities to establish a regular service in Manchester, citing its accessibility and strong diaspora presence.

The substantial demand for a permanent Nigerian passport office Manchester UK is underscored by recent intervention figures, revealing that the city processed nearly three times the passport enrolments compared to London within a six-day period.

The Nigerian Community Greater Manchester is actively campaigning for the establishment of a permanent Nigerian passport office Manchester UK, a move that would significantly enhance consular services for the diaspora in Northern England. This urgent appeal follows compelling data from a recent passport intervention, which saw Manchester record an impressive 1,709 passport enrolments over just six days. This figure starkly contrasts with the 587 enrolments processed in London during the same period, underscoring the immense, unmet demand for such services outside the capital.

These significant statistics, released by the Nigeria Immigration Service on September 14, provide a clear indication of the challenges faced by Nigerian citizens residing in regions far from the Nigerian High Commission London. Abayomi Bashiru-Kaka, chairman of the Nigerian Community Greater Manchester, formally articulated this call for a dedicated service during the celebration of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary in Manchester on Saturday, October 10. The community emphasizes that the current reliance on temporary interventions, while helpful, is insufficient to address the long-term needs of the substantial Nigerian population across Northern England.

The absence of a permanent Nigerian passport office Manchester UK or similar facility in Northern England places a considerable burden on Nigerian citizens seeking essential consular services. Residents from major cities including Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, and Newcastle are frequently compelled to undertake lengthy and costly journeys to the Nigerian High Commission in London. This travel not only incurs significant transport expenses but also necessitates time away from work or studies, creating substantial inconvenience and financial strain.

The Nigerian Community Greater Manchester, through a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Joy Adetona, highlighted that temporary passport intervention exercises, while providing some relief, do not offer a sustainable solution. These intermittent services fail to adequately cater to the consistent and growing needs of the diaspora. The group specifically pointed out that families, elderly Nigerians, students, and working professionals are disproportionately affected by the current arrangement, facing unique challenges in accessing vital documents and support.

In light of these challenges, Abayomi Bashiru-Kaka has strongly urged the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Nigeria Immigration Service UK, and other relevant authorities to establish a regular, permanent consular service in Northern England, with Manchester designated as the primary regional hub. Bashiru-Kaka cited Manchester's strategic accessibility, its well-established Nigerian community networks, and the high volume of applications processed during the recent intervention as compelling reasons for this decision. The intervention itself spanned Manchester, London, Cardiff, and Aberdeen, with its initial phase commencing in Manchester and London.

Bashiru-Kaka extended commendations to the Federal Government, the Nigerian High Commission, and the Nigeria Immigration Service for organizing the recent exercise, specifically acknowledging the efforts of Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap. He underscored that making government services more accessible would not only ease the burden on citizens but also strengthen the vital relationship between Nigeria and its diaspora. The Nigerian diaspora contributes significantly through family support, investment, professional expertise, and community development. The community has pledged to continue its engagement with Nigerian authorities in the UK to ensure improved access to consular services and advocates for timely announcements and clear application guidelines for all future initiatives.

Lawyers advising Nigerian diaspora clients in the UK should note the ongoing advocacy for establishing a permanent Nigerian passport and consular service in Manchester. This development signals potential future improvements in service accessibility for clients residing outside London, which could impact advice on immigration, citizenship, and consular matters.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Nigeria