The Nigerian High Mission in London, United Kingdom has explained it is still in possession of 553 passports because they were yet to be claimed by applicants.
The reaction by Mission follows a viral report on the unclaimed passports.
The London Mission said the number is the cumulative of passports not collected in the last five years or more, due to errors and other challenges.
In a clarification titled ‘Unclaimed Passports in London’ and issued by the mission, it said it should be noted that some of the passports had expired without being collected.
The statement read in part, “The attention of the Nigeria High Commission, London has been drawn to the circulation of a list of 553 Passports not yet collected from the mission.
“This is a cumulative of passports not collected in the last five years or more, due to errors and other challenges. It should be noted that some of the passports had expired without being collected.
“In the past, passports were usually collected by hand, with applicants not turning up to collect as at when due.
“Information has it that some of the applicants travelled to Nigeria with Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) and obtained another passports while in Nigeria, thus rendering the earlier one useless. However, the High Commission, London has since commenced delivery by post to Nigerians in the UK and there are testimonies to this proactive development.
“This new system of passport postage has eliminated the challenge of non-collection of passports after production.
“This is a new initiative that would be continued by the mission in order to ensure better service delivery to all Nigerians and those who desire its services in the United Kingdom.
“Should there be a need for any clarifications, we implore our fellow compatriots to contact the mission on: [email protected] or kindly visit the High Commission between the hours of 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm.”
