The Nigerian High Commission in London and the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) have renewed their commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges surrounding passport renewals for Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. This commitment was solidified during a courtesy visit by the Canuk executive committee to Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, the newly appointed Acting High Commissioner to the UK, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.


The meeting, which involved key department heads from the High Commission, primarily focused on the significant delays faced by Nigerians in securing appointments for biometric capturing, with current slots unavailable until December. These delays have caused considerable frustration, particularly among those urgently needing passport renewals. A proposed fast-track service, which aimed to issue passports within 48 hours, has been temporarily suspended due to unresolved issues related to its implementation.


Ambassador Maidugu, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in international missions, expressed his determination to resolve the passport crisis during his tenure. “The mission will continue to work closely with Canuk, as it has done in the past, to find a lasting solution to this matter,” he affirmed.


Canuk Chairman, Ayo Akinfe, underscored the long-standing partnership between the association and the High Commission, describing Canuk as the “de facto customer service desk” for passport-related concerns. “We are eager to elevate this partnership to better serve our community,” Akinfe stated, commending Ambassador Maidugu’s vast diplomatic experience.


Ambassador Bukar Abdulsalam, head of immigration and passports at the High Commission, reiterated the mission’s dedication to collaborating with Canuk. “We value our partnership with Canuk and look forward to their continued support, especially when the fast-track programme is reintroduced,” he noted.


As a gesture of goodwill and to further solidify this collaboration, Ambassador Maidugu confirmed the mission’s support for Canuk’s upcoming gala dinner on December 14, a significant step in strengthening ties with the Nigerian community in the UK.


The discussion also touched on other pressing community issues, including social services for children taken into care, knife crime, student tuition challenges, funding, the establishment of a Nigerian Community Centre, and the launch of a Nigerian food bank. The High Commission affirmed its support for these initiatives, signalling a new era of cooperation between the mission and the Nigerian community in the UK.


*Rose P. Graham*  

Publicity Secretary, CANUK


*Muhammed Yiosese*  

Assistant Publicity Secretary, CANUK