Sunday Okobi
The Nigerian Community in Greater Manchester (NCGM) has referred to as on the Nigerian authorities to ascertain common passport and consular companies in Northern England following the outstanding response to a current passport intervention train in Manchester, United Kingdom.
According to a press release, the attraction was made by NCGM Chairman, Otunba Abayomi Bashiru-Kaka, on the organisation’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, held in Manchester final month.
In the assertion signed by its Public Relations Officer, Joy Adetona, and made accessible to THISDAY yesterday, NCGM described the intervention as a welcome growth that had eased the difficulties confronted by Nigerians accessing passport companies exterior London.
The occasion attracted neighborhood members, civic leaders, representatives of Nigerian establishments and different distinguished company.
In the assertion, Bashiru-Kaka recommended the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the federal authorities for bettering companies for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
He notably acknowledged the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, and the officers concerned in the train.
The intervention lined 4 UK places: Manchester, London, Cardiff and Aberdeen, with the preliminary part commencing in Manchester and London.
Addressing the challenges confronted by Nigerians exterior London, in accordance with the assertion, Bashiru-Kaka famous that Manchester recorded 1,709 passport enrolments throughout the first six operational days, in contrast with London’s 587, in accordance with NIS figures launched on September 14, 2026.
He noticed that Nigerians in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Newcastle and surrounding communities typically face important prices and inconvenience travelling to London for passport companies, notably households, aged residents, college students, and dealing professionals.
Consequently, he urged the Nigerian High Commission, the NIS and different related authorities to ascertain a extra common and sustainable passport and consular service association in Northern England, with Manchester as an appropriate regional base.
He cited Manchester’s accessibility, established Nigerian neighborhood networks, and demonstrated demand as causes for contemplating the association, whereas emphasising the necessity for well timed bulletins and clear utility tips.
Beyond consular companies, Bashiru-Kaka highlighted Nigerians’ contributions to their homeland by means of household help, funding, skilled experience and neighborhood growth. He famous that improved entry to important authorities companies would additional strengthen ties between Nigeria and its residents overseas.
He reaffirmed NCGM’s dedication to working with the Nigerian High Commission, the NIS, mayors, councillors, public establishments and neighborhood organisations throughout Greater Manchester to advance the welfare of Nigerians.
He additionally inspired Nigerians to stay happy with their heritage whereas contributing positively to British society.
NCGM appreciated the Nigerian authorities and personnel concerned in the intervention, pledging continued cooperation with related stakeholders to enhance communication, coordination and consciousness of accessible companies.
The organisation expressed hope that the Manchester train would offer a basis for extra accessible and sustainable passport and consular companies for Nigerians throughout Northern England.
