The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of a new visa center in Enugu, South East Nigeria, to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the UK and the region.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, expressed their optimism about this development. The move came in response to requests made by Governor Mbah and Ohanaeze Ndigbo during recent visits by a delegation from the UK High Commission in Nigeria to the South East.
The British High Commission made the official announcement via its verified Twitter handle, @UKinNigeria, stating, “The British High Commission in Nigeria is pleased to announce the opening of a new temporary submission center 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.”
Applicants can now select Enugu as their application location when applying for a UK visa, in addition to the existing locations in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. The Enugu center will operate as a Premium Location, with a cost of N246,250.00, which includes various premium services.
The British High Commissioner noted that the center’s sustainability would be assessed after three months, with TLS conducting a trial period to evaluate service uptake and make decisions about its continuation.
Expressing his satisfaction, Montgomery tweeted, “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.”
Governor Mbah, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that the visa center would enhance economic partnership and cultural exchanges between Enugu State and the UK, further solidifying their relationship.