The United Kingdom embassy has announced that its Visa Application Centres in Abuja and Lagos will be closed on Friday, February 24, and the following Monday, February 27, due to the forthcoming general election.
The embassy advised all applicants to purchase the “Keep My Passport and Courier return services” before the VAC closure. The embassy stated that no VAC appointments would be booked on the previous days, and customers could not access VAC to collect their documents/passports.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will continue to make decisions on all visa applications, and priority visa services remain available. However, super priority visa services will be suspended on Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23, due to the closure, as the next working day opening is not until Tuesday, February 28.
The British High Commission offices are not involved in visa decision-making and do not hold passports, so they cannot assist.
The embassy’s statement did not indicate whether the closures would be extended beyond the two days mentioned, as the upcoming general elections in Nigeria will take place on February 25 and March 11. The closure of the UK visa application centres is likely part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and security of citizens during this time.
