Nigerians Spent Over ₦62 Billion on UK Visas in One Year
Nigerians spent an estimated ₦62 billion on UK visa applications between June 2023 and June 2024, according to data disclosed by the UK’s Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services, Marc Owen. Speaking at the launch of Africa’s largest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, Lagos, Owen revealed that 225,000 visa applications were processed for Nigerians during that period.
At a base fee of $150 for a standard UK visitor visa for six months, and with exchange rates ranging between ₦1,300 and ₦1,700 per dollar within that time, Nigerians paid a staggering ₦62.4 billion to the UK government in visa fees alone. This excludes additional costs for premium services, visa rejections, and other application-related expenses.
“This new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient, and meet the needs of all applicants,” said Owen.
The Ikeja VAC, which began operations on November 19, 2024, aims to simplify visa processing for Nigerians. It complements existing centres in Abuja and Victoria Island and offers expanded services such as document upload assistance, courier services for passport returns, and premium options like mobile visa processing and dedicated lounges.
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter expressed optimism about the new centre. “It’s a proud moment to see the opening of Africa’s largest visa application centre here in Lagos. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most strategic partners, and this facility will ensure smoother visa processing experiences,” he noted.
Despite the improved visa services, immigration policies in the UK have faced increased scrutiny. Speaking at the event, Alok Singhal, head of VFS Global for sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the significance of the partnership with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which dates back to 2003.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Nigeria our best-in-class services,” Singhal said.
However, concerns over immigration remain a polarizing issue in the UK. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has called for tougher measures to manage migration, citing strain on public services.
“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” Badenoch argued. “For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration… The system that replaced free movement is not working.”
While the new visa centre provides a win for Nigerian applicants, the tightening of UK immigration rules signals a more challenging path for those seeking to migrate.
