The British government has issued 255,000 visas of all types to Nigerians who wish to study and relocate in the country within 12 months between April 2023 and March 2024.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, disclosed the information during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Montgomery assured the Nigerian government on Wednesday that adequate security measures had been put in place for the country’s citizens in light of the deadly unrest in Britain.
The High Commissioner stressed that Britain remains a safe haven despite the ongoing unrest, pointing to the country’s diverse population, adding that 60 special courts have been set up to combat criminal activities related to the unrest.
Montgomery also reported that about 400 people have been arrested in connection with the violence and that the government is actively trying to bring to justice those who spread hate and disinformation online.
In his response, NiDCOM Chairman Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties had been reported so far.
According to them, NiDCOM has been in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora groups, but none of them have reported incidents involving Nigerian nationals.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the British government for its swift action, particularly in arresting the perpetrators, and urged Nigerians to be safe, vigilant and follow the travel advice of the Nigerian Foreign Ministry.
