The United Kingdom (UK) has disclosed that about 430,000 Nigerians were successfully granted visas within the first seven months of Year 2024.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, stated this during a meeting with the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Dr Montgomery however advised visa applicants to apply by themselves and be circumspect of agents.
The British Envoy also assured of the safety of Nigerians living in the UK against the backdrop of the recent disorder in the country.
These were contained in a press release, dated 7 August, 2024, signed by Gabriel Odu of the NiDCOM Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
Montgomery assured the large Diaspora population of Nigerians in the UK of their safety and security. He disclosed that a total of 12 towns in total were affected by disorder.
He assured the Nigerian Community in the UK that the British Government is doing everything possible to restore calm and normalcy to the affected communities.
The British Envoy said his Home Government has set up 60 special courts, comprising of the UK Police and legal operatives, to look into the criminal disorder.
Montgomery added that, over 400 arrests have been made in connection with the disorder. He expressed optimism that the UK system will sort things out very soon.
The British Envoy assured that the UK is home to people of different countries and races and will remain liberal to qualified persons to live, school and work in the country.
He also emphasised that the UK will seek justice against those who incited the acts with hatred and disinformation online.
The British High Commissioner said: “We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”
Speaking, the NiDCOM boss, Dabiri-Erewa, acknowledged that, “in the midst of these issues, no Nigerian has died or been affected by the disorder so far.”
She stressed that NiDCOM is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London, the various Diaspora groups and student groups. She noted that there was no report of any casualty to date.
The NiDCOM boss applauded the UK Government for its timely interventions, particularly the arrests made so far.
Dabiri-Erewa reminded Nigerians of the travel advisory issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also advised Nigerians in the UK to stay safe and be cautious of their surroundings, particularly at this point in time.
Also present at the strategic meeting were the British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, First Secretary Political, Natalie Palmer, and some staff of the NiDCOM.
