My Experience at Nigeria Visa Application Office, Fleet Street, London

 

I supported an ex-colleague (German) to apply online for a Visa to visit Nigeria, and also prepped him on how difficult the forthcoming visit to submit documentations will be.

We went all prepared for all the trouble and difficulties ahead (the screaming, shouting, unorganised and most of all the queue jumping uncles, aunties and unofficial middlemen that want to assist for a fee).

However we got there and were ushered to an impressive straight line security system.

We signed in at the entrance and took a ticket.

First thing I noticed was the provision of an area for applicants to use computer and printers for any additional or missed documents, at no extra cost.

I then went to the restroom, expecting the usual smelly, uncleaned urinals but it was clean and scented.

The ticket system was working effectively and timely…and no queue jumping, no middlemen loitering around; at this point, my colleague asked why I lied about the problems we envisaged.
I was shocked and couldn’t respond but told him to wait till the whole process was over, hoping I will be vindicated.

Then his number was called and we went forward; he answered all the questions, submitted his form and showed his original documents…he then had his biometric & picture taken and then told visa will be ready by 12th Dec.

He sat still aghast at lack of issues I had prepped him for.

I stood at his back with my head in my hands and the interviewer looked bemused at us.

I quickly composed myself and ushered my colleague to get up…as we headed to the exit door, I couldn’t help but apologise, to which he said something that resonates:

Why do most Nigerians in diaspora always talk bad about Nigeria?

This got me thinking & It’s obvious I am not the only one that’s experienced something similar.