The Nigeria Immigration Service has extended its special passport intervention exercise in the United Kingdom by two weeks following a high turnout of Nigerians seeking passport services.

The exercise, initially scheduled to run in London and Manchester until September 19, 2026, will now continue until October 3, 2026.

The extension was approved by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in response to the increasing number of applicants participating in the intervention exercise.

The NIS said the exercise, which experienced some initial challenges on its first day, has since progressed smoothly.

In a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service said, “despite the initial challenges experienced on the first day of the commencement.”

Akinlabi said, “In line with NIS commitment to an orderly and transparent process, eligible applicants are required to book appointments for the special intervention exercise via the website of the High Commission of Nigeria, United Kingdom.”

Applicants are required to attend their appointments with a completed application form and payment receipt, appointment slip for the intervention exercise, current passport where applicable, and a self-addressed return envelope.

The Service reiterated that passport applications and payments are fully automated and cashless.

It also stated that the applicable fees remain $162 for a five-year validity passport booklet and $242 for a 10-year validity booklet, with no additional charges required for participation in the intervention exercise.

According to the NIS, 1,477 Nigerians were processed and enrolled within the first four days of the exercise, while more than half of those enrolled had already had their passports produced and dispatched to their respective addresses.

Explaining the extension, Akinlabi said, “The extension is intended to provide additional capacity to accommodate the increasing demand and ensure that as many eligible applicants are attended to.”

He added that further details on the extended dates, participating locations and appointment procedures would be released through the official channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the High Commission of Nigeria in the United Kingdom.

The NIS appreciated Nigerians in the UK for their patience and cooperation, assuring them of its commitment to providing efficient, transparent and responsive passport services to Nigerians at home and abroad.