The United Kingdom has inaugurated its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa, situated in Ikeja, Lagos. The new facility, managed by VFS Global, represents a significant step towards improving visa application processes for Nigerians traveling to the UK. The British High Commission in Lagos announced this development on Wednesday, highlighting its potential to streamline applications and enhance the experience for travelers. With this addition, the UK now has three operational centres in Nigeria, including those in Abuja and Victoria Island.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, attended the launch event in Ikeja and underscored the importance of Nigeria as a key partner for the UK. He expressed optimism about the new centre’s ability to enhance service delivery for visa applicants. Speaking at the event, Baxter stated, “The opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa, reflects Nigeria’s significant role as one of the UK’s most important partners. We hope that VFS continues to provide ever-improving services for visa applicants.”
Marc Owen, the Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), described the new centre as a milestone in delivering world-class visa services. He noted that over 225,000 UK visa applications were processed from Nigerian nationals between June 2023 and June 2024, highlighting the growing demand for UK travel. Owen added, “This new VAC demonstrates our commitment to providing accessible and efficient services that meet the needs of all applicants.”
The upgraded facility introduces several enhanced services, including assistance with document uploads, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and an option to retain passports after biometric enrolment. For Abuja residents, the Mobile Visa Service enables applications from preferred locations, while a Premium Lounge option offers a more personalized experience. These services aim to improve convenience without altering processing timelines.
The UK continues to be a preferred destination for Nigerian travelers, who account for five percent of global UK visit visa applications, and this expansion reaffirms its dedication to meeting this demand. VFS Global, a trusted partner of UKVI since 2003, has extended its global presence to 142 countries, cementing its leadership in visa service management.
