In 2024, the United Kingdom (UK) government has issued at least 430,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study or relocate to the country.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, revealed this during a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in Abuja on Wednesday.
Montgomery assured the Nigerian Federal Government that robust security measures are in place for its citizens in the UK.
Despite current unrest, he emphasized that the UK remains a safe environment, highlighting its diverse population and the establishment of 60 special courts to address criminal activities linked to the unrest.
Approximately 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, and the UK government is actively pursuing those responsible for inciting unrest through hatred and misinformation online.
NIDCOM Chairperson Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that there have been no reported casualties among Nigerians.
She noted that NIDCOM remains in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora groups, none of which have reported incidents involving Nigerian nationals.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the UK government for its prompt actions, particularly the arrests, and advised Nigerians to stay safe, remain vigilant, and follow the travel advisories issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
