The federal government’s passport intervention exercise for Nigerians in the United Kingdom got off to a rocky start on Monday, with applicants protesting alleged extra fees and poor organisation at processing centres in Manchester and London.
Videos circulated on social media showed crowds waiting outside a locked door at the Nigerian Passport Intervention Centre in Manchester from as early as 9:00 a.m., with processing yet to begin by 11:30 a.m.
Applicants decried the delays, saying they had taken time off work and travelled long distances.
Another video from London showed the owner of the lounge booked for the exercise asking Nigerians to leave, citing lack of security, staff and payment. He was also reported to have called the police on the crowd.
Social media users alleged that immigration officials were demanding an additional £70 “administrative fee” and that only 12 people had been attended to by 2:00 p.m.
Reacting, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said he was concerned about the inconveniences. In a statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, he denied the £70 charge.
“It does not come with extra cost different from the official fees of $150 and $230 for five-year and ten-year passports respectively, exclusive of bank charges,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are ongoing to resolve the issues.
The intervention is scheduled to run from September 7 to 19 to clear backlogs.
