Nigerians in Manchester denied venue access for NIS passport service over alleged unpaid fees
On Monday, September 5, 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) held a passport application and renewal exercise at a venue in Manchester for Nigerians residing in the UK. The venue’s Lebanese owner reportedly refused entry to applicants, saying he had not been paid for the space and that there was no staff or security present. Witnesses said only a few people were attended to in the first hour before UK police were called to the scene.
The disruption left dozens of Nigerians unable to submit or renew passports, affecting travel plans, legal documentation, and consular services. For many in the diaspora, timely passport processing is essential for work, study, and family matters. The incident also raised concerns about the reliability of outsourced venues and the lack of oversight from NIS when organizing overseas outreach.
Applicants are advised to monitor official NIS channels for rescheduled dates or alternative venues, and to contact the Nigerian High Commission in London for assistance. Keep proof of payment or correspondence with venue owners if involved in future events. As of the report, NIS has not issued a statement on the alleged payment dispute or the security complaints.