Nigerians protest UK passport delays, fee claims

Nigerians seeking to obtain passports in the United Kingdom have encountered significant delays and disorganization at special intervention centers, leading to protests and official clarification. Applicants reported arriving early in the morning, only to wait for hours without service, prompting frustration and criticism of the process. The issues primarily surfaced on Monday, September 7, 2026, with reports of long queues and a lack of organization at a passport intervention center in Manchester. Social media videos showed crowds gathered outside locked doors, with individuals who arrived as early as 9:00 a.m. still waiting by 11:30 a.m. without being attended to. Applicants expressed dismay, noting they had taken time off work, traveled considerable distances, and paid for services, only to face what they described as poor planning and communication. One incident reportedly occurred at a venue booked for passport intervention services in London, where the owner allegedly asked applicants to leave due to disorganization, lack of staff, and security concerns. This venue owner also reportedly called the police on the crowd, leading to embarrassment in front of UK authorities.