The days of long travels for the UK visa application are over for residents of Southeast Nigeria, as the UK government has opened a visa center in Enugu State.
The Enugu State government disclosed this development and extended its gratitude to the United Kingdom Government for establishing a visa center in the state to streamline visa applications for residents not only in Enugu State but also across the wider South-East region, according to a statement by the government.
The statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Monday in Enugu, said the establishment of the visa center was a direct outcome of discussions between Governor Peter Mbah and the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, during the commissioner’s visit to the Government House in Enugu in June.
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The statement underscored that the government greeted the announcement of the visa center with enthusiasm and contentment. It emphasized the center’s potential to deepen economic collaborations and cultural interactions between Enugu State and the United Kingdom.
“The Enugu State Government eagerly anticipates a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the UK, given that the visa centre will play a pivotal role in cementing this relationship,” the statement said.
The statement also urged residents, particularly those in the South-East, to seize this opportunity and submit their visa applications locally within the state.
Furthermore, it emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing security for both residents and visitors engaged in business within the state. It reaffirmed that Enugu State is welcoming to business ventures and investments.
Background of the story
In June, the United Kingdom (UK) revealed its strategic partnership plans with Enugu State, focusing on critical sectors including power, education, and public health to bolster economic development.
This announcement came after a meeting between Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu.
During their discussion, Montgomery highlighted the extensive history of collaboration between the UK and Enugu State, spanning over two decades. This collaboration has been particularly prominent in areas such as public health sector advancements, education, and enhancements in the power sector.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also made similar requests when the High Commissioner visited its national secretariat in Enugu last June.
Montgomery expressed the UK’s strong interest in sustaining and deepening this partnership, commending Governor Mbah for his proactive approach to implementing reforms and his forward-looking vision for the state, as reflected in recent press reports.