The United Kingdom has inaugurated Africa’s largest visa application centre in Lagos State, further strengthening ties with Nigeria.
The facility, opened on Wednesday, was launched in collaboration with the UK’s new commercial partner, VFS Global.
The state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres (VAC) are strategically located in Abuja, Ikeja, and Victoria Island.
They began operations on November 19, providing a streamlined visa application process for Nigerians traveling to the UK.
Speaking at the launch, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, emphasized the importance of Nigeria-UK relations.
“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,” he said.
Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), highlighted the significance of the new centre.
“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa,” he stated.
The upgraded centres are expected to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the visa application process.
