The United Kingdom has unveiled its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, situated in Ikeja, Lagos. Operated by VFS Global, this state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone in enhancing visa services for Nigerians traveling to the UK.
The British High Commission in Lagos announced the development on Wednesday, emphasizing that the new centre is designed to streamline visa submissions and provide a seamless experience for applicants. Additional centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, have also been operational since November 19, further expanding the UK’s visa application network in Nigeria.
Strengthening UK-Nigeria Relations
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, who attended the centre’s inauguration, highlighted the importance of the UK-Nigeria partnership.
“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 delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” Baxter said.
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), hailed the opening as a significant step in providing world-class visa services. He noted that more than 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed between June 2023 and June 2024, underscoring the increasing demand for UK travel.
Enhanced Services for Applicants
The new VAC offers several improved services to enhance convenience, including:
- Document upload assistance
- Extended submission hours
- SMS updates
- Courier passport returns
- Retention of passports after biometric enrolment
In addition, Abuja residents can now use the Mobile Visa Service for submissions from their preferred locations, while a Premium Lounge option provides a more personalized experience with dedicated staff.
These optional services are designed to improve the application process without affecting processing times or outcomes.
Meeting Growing Demand
Nigerians account for 5% of all global UK visa applications, making the UK a top travel destination. The new Ikeja facility underscores the UK’s commitment to meeting this demand while maintaining efficient, accessible, and applicant-friendly visa services.
VFS Global, a trusted partner of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, has expanded its operations to 142 countries, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in visa service management.
The new centre reflects the growing strength of UK-Nigeria ties and demonstrates the UK’s dedication to fostering a smooth visa application experience for Nigerian travelers.