The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has announced the indefinite suspension of the operations of Online Integrated Solution, OIS Services, the company managing Nigeria’s Visa Application Centres in the United States.
The decision, which took effect on July 1, was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, DCI, Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the statement, the suspension affects visa applicants in the United States, including Nigerians and other prospective travellers seeking entry visas into Nigeria.
Akinlabi said all visa applications must now be submitted directly to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in the United States, namely the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., and the Consulates General in New York and Atlanta.
He explained that the suspension of OIS Services would remain in place until further notice.
The immigration spokesperson, however, clarified that the directive only applies to physical visa application submissions at Nigerian missions in the United States and does not affect the country’s electronic visa platform.
He stated that applicants requiring e-Visas could continue to process their applications through the official online portal.
Akinlabi assured applicants that the NIS had put alternative arrangements in place to ensure the uninterrupted submission, processing and issuance of visas despite the suspension of the Visa Application Centres.
He advised intending travellers to regularly check the official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in the United States for updates on visa application procedures.
The NIS spokesperson also thanked applicants for their understanding and cooperation during the transition, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to providing efficient and effective immigration services.
