The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has directed travellers in the United States requiring entry visas to Nigeria to submit their applications directly to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the country’s consulates in New York and Atlanta following the disengagement of its third-party visa service provider.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the statement, the NIS has terminated, with immediate effect, the services of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), which previously handled Nigeria’s visa application and submission process in the United States.
The service, however, did not disclose the reasons for ending its relationship with the company.
Akinlabi said that, until further notice, all visa applicants in the United States should submit their applications directly at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or at the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta.
He said the diplomatic missions had put in place adequate measures to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted processing and issuance of visas.
“The embassy and consulates are fully prepared to manage visa application submissions and processing during this transition period,” he said.
The immigration spokesman advised prospective applicants to regularly monitor the official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Mission in the United States for updates on application procedures, submission schedules and other relevant information.
He reiterated the commitment of the NIS to maintaining efficient service delivery and ensuring that visa applicants continue to receive timely and effective services throughout the transition period.
The latest directive marks a significant change in Nigeria’s visa application process for travellers residing in the United States.
