Guber poll: UK closes visa application centres in Lagos amid security concerns

The United Kingdom (UK) mission in Nigeria has announced closure of its Ikeja and Victoria Island visa application centres in Lagos on Monday to protect its staff and customers.

This is as it expressed concerns over safety ahead of Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly elections.

“The Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Ikeja and Victoria Island will be closed Monday 20th March. This is to protect the safety of customers and staff. There are no VAC appointments booked on this date and customers will not be able to access the VAC to collect documents/passports,” the statement reads.

“Customers have the option to purchase the Keep my Passport and Courier return services in advance of the VAC closure in order to retain their passport during the period of closure. UKVI will continue to make decisions on all visa applications.”

The embassy, however, said Priority Visa (PV) services remain available while Super Priority Visa (SPV) services will be suspended on Friday because the next working day opening isn’t until Tuesday 21st March.

“Customers should not attend the VAC unless they have been contacted by TLS to do so. The British High Commission offices in Nigeria are not involved in visa decision making and do not hold passports and so are unable to assist,” it said.