The United Kingdom announces the opening of Africa’s largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, Lagos, in partnership with VFS Global, its new commercial service provider. This development is part of efforts to enhance the visa application experience for Nigerians traveling to the UK.
The British Deputy High Commission confirms that the new VAC in Ikeja, alongside centers in Abuja and Victoria Island, aims to provide accessible and efficient services for applicants. Speaking at the launch, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter emphasizes the strong relationship between Nigeria and the UK.
“Nigeria remains one of our most important partners, and we look forward to VFS Global delivering continually improved services for visa applicants,” Baxter states.
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), describes the new center as a significant milestone in delivering world-class visa services in Nigeria.
“In the year to June 2024, over 225,000 UK visas were processed for Nigerian nationals across various categories. This new partnership underscores our commitment to making visa services accessible and efficient for all applicants,” Owen explains.
Enhancing Service Delivery
Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, highlights the organization’s long-standing partnership with UKVI since 2003. He notes that the new center will bring best-in-class services to Nigerian travelers.
The British Deputy High Commission reveals that VFS Global operates UK VACs in 31 African countries, offering optional services to enhance convenience for applicants. These include document upload assistance, premium submission options outside business hours, SMS notifications, document checking, and courier services for passport delivery after visa decisions.
For customers in Abuja, a mobile visa service allows applicants to submit their applications from preferred locations such as homes or offices. However, the commission clarifies that these optional services do not affect visa processing timelines or outcomes.
The new center in Ikeja reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria while ensuring a seamless visa application process for its citizens.
 in Ikeja, Lagos, in partnership with VFS Global, its new commercial service provider. This development is part of efforts to enhance the visa application experience for Nigerians traveling to the UK.){kind=link}