The Nigerian Community Greater Manchester (NCGM) is supporting community members as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) carries out a Special Passport Intervention Exercise across the United Kingdom.
The intervention exercise is being delivered by the Nigeria Immigration Service in collaboration with the Nigeria High Commission, London, with services being made available across four UK locations: Manchester, London, Cardiff and Aberdeen.
The exercise is intended to improve access to passport services for Nigerians living in the UK, including those dealing with new passport applications, renewals and pending applications.
Four UK locations are taking part
The Special Passport Intervention Exercise is being delivered in four locations across the United Kingdom.
- Manchester: 7–21 September 2026, Nigerian House, 23 Platt Lane, Manchester, M14 5NE.
- London: September 2026, with arrangements communicated by the Nigeria High Commission.
- Cardiff: 21–26 September 2026, Sophia Gardens, Sophia Walk, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.
- Aberdeen: 21–26 September 2026, Hilton Convention Centre, 13 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen, AB24 4NR.
The exercise is particularly significant for Nigerians living outside London, as it provides additional opportunities to access passport services without having to travel to the capital.
Manchester becomes an important regional centre
For Nigerians living across Greater Manchester and the wider North West, the Manchester exercise at Nigerian House provides a more accessible location for those with confirmed appointments.
The location also reflects the importance of Nigerian House as a community facility serving Nigerians across the region.
NCGM’s role is to support community members with information, signposting and general assistance while the relevant government agencies deliver the passport service itself.
What happened on Day One?
The opening day of the intervention exercise was not without challenges.
The Nigeria Immigration Service subsequently confirmed that a brief technical downtime temporarily affected biometric capturing, particularly at the Manchester centre. According to the Service, the issue was resolved and the exercise continued.
The NIS reported that 230 applicants with booked appointments were processed and had their biometrics captured on Day One.
- Manchester: 140 applicants
- London: 90 applicants
- Total: 230 applicants
The Service acknowledged the patience and understanding shown by applicants and reaffirmed its commitment to providing an efficient passport application process.
Day Two: the exercise continues
The Nigeria Immigration Service subsequently reported that the intervention exercise was continuing, with applicants attending according to their confirmed appointment schedules.
Applicants are encouraged to keep to their allocated appointment times and to follow information issued directly by the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria High Commission as the exercise progresses.
What applicants should bring
Applicants attending the intervention exercise should carefully check the latest official instructions before travelling.
The Nigeria High Commission’s published notice lists the following documents and items for applicants attending the exercise:
- Completed passport application form
- Proof of payment for the passport application
- Printed appointment slip
- Old passport booklet, where applicable for renewal, reissue or change of data
- Any other payment or supporting documentation specified for the particular application
- A prepaid Royal Mail C4 Special Delivery self-addressed envelope for return of the processed passport
Applicants should also check the latest official guidance before travelling because arrangements and requirements may change during an active intervention exercise.
The intervention is part of a wider passport service
The special intervention exercise should not be viewed as a replacement for the Nigeria Immigration Service’s existing digital passport services.
The NIS has confirmed that its digital passport application channels remain operational, including the Contactless Passport Application System and home delivery options where applicants are eligible.
The intervention therefore provides an additional route for applicants who need to attend in person for biometric enrolment or to resolve outstanding passport matters.
Why this matters to the Nigerian community
Access to a valid passport is important for many aspects of everyday life, including international travel, family commitments, employment, education, business and wider mobility.
For Nigerians living across the North West, the availability of an intervention centre in Manchester can reduce the distance and travel burden associated with accessing passport services.
It also demonstrates the value of continued engagement between Nigerian government institutions and diaspora communities across the United Kingdom.
NCGM’s role in supporting the community
As a community organisation serving Nigerians across Greater Manchester, NCGM will continue to share relevant information and signpost community members to official sources.
We encourage applicants to rely on information issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria High Commission for official passport requirements, appointment arrangements and any changes to the intervention schedule.
Where community members require general assistance or information about accessing local support, NCGM remains available to help signpost them to the appropriate service.
NCGM is committed to keeping our community informed and connected, particularly when important public services are being delivered locally.
Keep checking official updates
The passport intervention exercise is taking place over several weeks and arrangements may develop as the programme progresses.
Applicants should therefore check the latest communications from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria High Commission, London before travelling to an intervention centre.
NCGM will continue to share significant updates that are relevant to Nigerians across Greater Manchester.
Manchester intervention centre:
Nigerian House
23 Platt Lane
Manchester
M14 5NE
Important: Attendance at the intervention exercise is based on the applicable appointment arrangements. Applicants should not travel to a centre without first checking the latest official instructions.