The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has disclosed that the United Kingdom processes approximately 1,500 visa applications daily from Nigerian nationals.
Montgomery made the revelation on Wednesday during the UK-Nigeria Economic Growth and Sustainability Summit held in Abuja.
He also used the platform to urge Nigerian applicants to be wary of visa-related fraud and to adhere strictly to official application procedures.
“We continue to receive a high volume of visa applications from Nigeria — around 1,500 each day,” Montgomery stated.
“This is a testament to the strong people-to-people connections between the UK and Nigeria, built on decades of shared history and cooperation.”
The envoy emphasized that Nigerians constitute about 10 per cent of the UK’s total annual visitor population, which stands at nearly 38 million.
This, he noted, positions Nigeria as one of the top source countries for visitors to the UK.
“Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians are granted visas each year.
“When applications are made through the proper channels and with the correct documentation, most are approved,” he added.
Montgomery, however, pointed out that the bulk of visa rejections stem from inaccurate or incomplete documentation rather than ineligibility.
He advised prospective applicants to ensure they use only verified channels and submit truthful and complete information.
“There is a misconception that the UK indiscriminately rejects Nigerian applications. That is not true.
When documentation is accurate and procedures are followed, approval rates are encouraging,” he explained.
The High Commissioner further outlined the various visa processing options available to Nigerian applicants, including standard, priority, and super priority services, depending on their travel needs and timelines.
He also noted that business travellers can benefit from multiple entry routes under the UK’s streamlined visa framework.
On the issue of visa racketeering, Montgomery cautioned against the use of unofficial agents and third-party handlers, stressing that applicants must take personal responsibility for the integrity of their submissions.
“The UK government is committed to a fair and transparent visa process. We continue to work closely with Nigerian authorities to address issues of fraud and ensure that genuine travellers are not disadvantaged,” he said.
Montgomery reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic and economic relationship with Nigeria, describing the two countries as strategic partners in development, education, trade, and investment.
“As we deepen our ties across multiple sectors, we look forward to even greater collaboration that benefits both nations,” he concluded.
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