The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the establishment of a visa centre in Enugu, South East Nigeria.
This was even as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, expressed optimism that the visa facility would boost economic and cultural ties between the UK and the people of Enugu State, South East.
Montgomery said the move followed request by Governor Mbah and Ohanaeze Ndigbo during his recent visits to the South East with a delegation of the UK High Commission in Nigeria.
The British High Commission announced the new visa centre on Monday in a statement published on its verified twitter handle, @UKinNigeria.
The statement read, “The British High Commission in Nigeria is pleased to announce the opening of a new temporary submission centre for UK visas in Enugu State from 13 September, 2023.
“This facility will operate out of the Omedel Luxury Hotel, 4/6 Link Road, Off Pascal and Jerk Bus stop, Independence Layout, Enugu and will shortly offer a twice-a-week service.
“The appointment system allows applicants to select Enugu as their application location, when applying for a UK visa. This is in addition to current locations in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
“The temporary submission centre in Enugu opens as a Premium Location, meaning it will cost N246,250.00, which includes a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return, SMS notifications, general customer support and guidance.”
The High Commissioner, however, said the centre would be reviewed after three months to determine its sustainability.
“Demand for visa services will be carefully monitored and service reviewed/expanded should there be sufficient volumes. TLS will trial this location for at least 3 months to access uptake of the service and enable decisions on continuation”, the statement said.
Reacting, the British High Commissioner, Montgomery, twitted: “Very pleased that @ UKVIgovuk is trialing a new visa application facility in Enugu: a key request from Peter Mbah and others during recent visits to the State by myself and Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter. Hope this works and helps strengthen our links.”
In his reaction, Governor Mbah, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the UK government, saying the facility would further enhance economic partnership and cultural exchanges between Enugu State and the UK.
"The Enugu State Government received the news of the visa centre with delight and satisfaction. The government therefore looks forward to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the UK, as the visa centre would help cement the relationship," he said.