Travellers in the United States who require visas to enter Nigeria must now submit their applications directly to Nigerian diplomatic missions following an immediate policy change announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The directive comes after the NIS officially disengaged Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the third-party company that previously managed Nigeria’s principal visa application and submission centres across the United States.
The policy change was announced in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi.
Although the immigration authority confirmed that OIS Services had been disengaged with immediate effect, it did not disclose the specific reasons behind the termination of the arrangement.
“Travellers seeking Nigerian visas are now required to submit their applications directly at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, DC, or at the Consulates of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta until further notice,” Akinlabi said.
The Nigeria Immigration Service assured prospective applicants that the Nigerian Embassy in Washington and the consulates in New York and Atlanta are fully prepared to manage the transition and handle the expected increase in visa applications.
According to the agency, the diplomatic missions have put measures in place to ensure the smooth submission, processing and issuance of visas during the transition period.
The NIS also advised applicants to monitor its official communication channels, as well as those of the Nigerian Mission in the United States, for updates on application procedures, processing timelines and submission requirements.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the agency’s commitment to maintaining efficient service delivery and ensuring minimal disruption to visa applicants during the transition.
