The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport intervention exercise in Manchester, United Kingdom, was reportedly disrupted on Monday after the owner of the venue allegedly denied Nigerians access over claims that fees for the facility had not been paid.
Several Nigerians who arrived at the venue for passport applications and renewals were reportedly left stranded as the venue owner allegedly refused to allow applicants into the facility.
According to reports from applicants at the scene, the venue owner claimed that payment for the use of the facility had not been made and also complained about the absence of adequate staff and security.
One applicant who shared an account of the incident on X said only three people had been attended to within an hour.
“He said he hasn’t been paid, no staff, no security. 3 people attended to in 1 hour,” the applicant wrote.
Reacting to the development in a post on X, another user, @olasalaaam, accused the NIS of embarrassing Nigeria before UK authorities and the venue owner.
“You successfully embarrassed us in front of the UK police & a Lebanese owner because of your incompetence. He said he hasn’t been paid, no staff, no security. 3 people attended to in 1 hour, it’s 2pm and just 12 people have been attended to. Shame @nigimmigration @BTOofficial,” he wrote.
UK police were also reportedly called to the venue as confusion over the passport exercise continued.
The intervention exercise was organised by the NIS to address outstanding passport applications and renewals for Nigerians living in the UK.
The incident has triggered frustration among applicants, who had travelled to the venue expecting to have their passport-related issues resolved.
The NIS had yet to publicly respond to the alleged payment dispute, as well as complaints concerning staffing and security at the Manchester venue, at the time of filing the reports.
The development follows a similar disruption in London, where applicants and immigration officials were reportedly locked out of Layali Lounge after the venue owner allegedly complained about unpaid bills.
The Nigeria High Commission subsequently moved the passport capture exercise to 56–57 Fleet Street, citing “unforeseen technical challenges.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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