Nigerians residing in Northern England are urging the Federal Government to establish a permanent passport and consular service in Manchester. This call follows a significant demand for passport services, highlighted by the recent intervention that recorded 1,709 passport enrolments in just six days, a figure almost three times higher than the 587 enrolments in London during the same period.

The Nigerian Community Greater Manchester made this appeal during the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary held on October 10. Abayomi Bashiru-Kaka, the community’s chairman, emphasized the challenges faced by Nigerians who must travel long distances to access consular services, which are currently centralized at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

In a statement released by the community's Public Relations Officer, Joy Adetona, it was noted that while the recent intervention has improved access to passport services, temporary measures are insufficient to meet the ongoing needs of Nigerians living in the region. Many residents from Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, and Newcastle are forced to make the long journey to London, incurring additional transportation costs and losing valuable time away from work.

Bashiru-Kaka pointed out that families, elderly Nigerians, students, and working professionals are particularly impacted by the current arrangement. He urged the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other relevant authorities to consider Manchester as a suitable location for a regular consular service, citing its accessibility and the established networks within the Nigerian community as compelling reasons.

The recent passport intervention, which also included locations like Cardiff and Aberdeen, began with a focus on Manchester and London. Bashiru-Kaka expressed gratitude towards the Federal Government, the Nigerian High Commission, and the NIS for organizing the initiative, specifically acknowledging the efforts of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

He stated that enhancing access to government services would not only benefit Nigerians abroad but also strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and its citizens in the diaspora. The community contributes significantly to Nigeria through family support, investments, professional expertise, and community development initiatives.

The Nigerian Community Greater Manchester has pledged to continue its engagement with Nigerian authorities and institutions in the UK to improve access to consular services. They are also advocating for timely announcements and clear guidelines for future passport interventions, ensuring that the needs of Nigerians in Northern England are adequately addressed.