VFS Global has announced the opening of Africa’s biggest UK visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos. The centre commenced operations on November 19 according to a statement.
VFS said Nigerians travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VACs located in Abuja and Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island).
Marc Owen, director of visa, status and information services at UKVI, said “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 across Africa”.
“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225k UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants,” Owen added.
“I’m delighted to be here in person as we celebrate this important moment together with our customers and partners.”
Jonny Baxter, British deputy high commissioner, said: “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 deliver ever improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”
Alok Singhal, head sub-saharan Africa, VFS Global, said the company is excited to embark “on this new journey”.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best in-class services,” Singhal said.
VFS Global will also provide VAS for the UK in 31 countries across Africa.
