Nigerians protest fees, delays at UK passport intervention centre

The federal government’s passport intervention exercise for Nigerians in the UK has gotten off to a rocky start, with applicants protesting alleged extra fees and long delays.

TheCable reports that videos shared online Monday showed crowds waiting outside the Nigerian Passport Intervention Centre in Manchester, with one user decrying poor organisation and disrespect for people’s time.

In London, a lounge owner reportedly ordered a crowd to leave, citing unpaid fees and lack of security, while accusations emerged that officials demanded an extra £70 in “administrative fees.”

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo denied the fee claims, insisting only the standard $150 and $230 passport charges apply, and said consultations were ongoing with the foreign affairs ministry to resolve the lingering inconveniences.