UK Nigerian Passport Crisis: NIS Clears Backlog After Fraud Allegations Backlash
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says its Special Passport Intervention Exercise in the United Kingdom is now running smoothly, following intense public backlash over alleged fraudulent extra charges.
According to official updates, 422 applicants were successfully processed and enrolled on Day 2 across the dedicated London and Manchester centres. It says passports produced from the first day of the exercise have already been dispatched.
Officials confirmed that applicants should expect to receive their physical documents on or before Thursday, 10 September 2026.
“The exercise continues today as scheduled. Applicants are enjoined to cooperate with officials as usual,” the NIS stated in an official post on its X (formerly Twitter) account.
Inside the UK Passport Crisis: What Sparked the Backlash?
The latest update comes on the heels of viral videos showing chaotic scenes and massive crowds of Nigerians stranded at UK processing centres.
Alongside the delays, serious allegations emerged from frustrated applicants who claimed they were being hit with illegal, hidden fees for expedited passport processing.
The mounting outcry triggered an immediate response from Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who flatly denied that the government authorized any additional fees.
“Neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Nigeria Immigration Service has introduced any other charges outside the aforementioned,” Tunji-Ojo clarified in a statement issued from Abuja.
Official Nigerian Passport Fees in the UK
To prevent further exploitation, the Ministry of Interior reiterated the official, legally mandated costs for international passport applications: $150 for a 5-year validity passport (excluding standard bank charges); and $230 USD for a 10-year validity passport, also excluding standard bank charges.
Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed deep regret over the severe inconveniences experienced by the Nigerian diaspora in the UK. He explained that the special intervention was originally launched to provide flexible, faster options for citizens looking to renew or obtain their travel documents.
Moving Forward: Contactless Biometric Solutions
To permanently resolve the systemic bottlenecks, the Ministry of Interior said it is deepening consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the operational hiccups do not persist.
“This government has demonstrated a high level of responsibility to Nigerians home and abroad and remains committed to its promises of providing succour to all,” said Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity.
In the meantime, authorities advised UK-based applicants to bypass manual crowds and take advantage of the newly introduced contactless biometric passport application system for a seamless, automated experience.
