Nigerians living in Poland and across Central and Eastern Europe have called on the Federal Government to strengthen passport and consular services at the Nigerian mission in Warsaw, citing growing demand driven by an increasing population of citizens in the region.
The appeal was made during an engagement between Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and members of the Nigerian community in Poland, where concerns over access to passport renewals, biometric enrolment and related consular services dominated discussions.
Speaking on behalf of the diaspora community, Adekunle Ayoola, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora, Poland, said the growing number of Nigerians residing in Poland and neighbouring countries had significantly increased pressure on services provided through the Nigerian Embassy in Warsaw.
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Ayoola, who also serves as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, acknowledged the efforts of embassy officials and immigration personnel working in the region but stressed that additional investment was necessary to meet rising demand.
According to him, access to passports and other documentation extends beyond administrative convenience and remains critical for employment, education, residency compliance, international travel and family obligations.
“We wish to acknowledge the efforts of our embassy officials, especially the Immigration Attaché and the relevant government agencies that continue to serve Nigerians in this region despite increasing demand and operational challenges,” he said.
“At the same time, we respectfully draw attention to the growing number of Nigerians residing in Poland and neighbouring countries who depend on Warsaw for passport and consular services.”
He urged the Federal Government to expand processing capacity, increase appointment availability and deploy more digital solutions to ease access for Nigerians living across Central and Eastern Europe.
“Enhancing processing capacity, increasing appointment availability, expanding digital solutions, and providing additional resources where necessary would greatly improve service accessibility and efficiency for Nigerians throughout Central and Eastern Europe,” Ayoola stated.
The appeal comes amid ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Interior aimed at improving passport administration and reducing delays in service delivery.
Members of the diaspora community argued that efficient passport services are increasingly important as more Nigerians relocate abroad for education, employment and business opportunities.
They noted that many applicants travel long distances from neighbouring countries to Warsaw to complete documentation processes, making accessibility and turnaround time critical concerns.
The engagement also highlighted the role of Nigerians abroad in supporting national development through investments, remittances, professional accomplishments and cultural representation.
Ayoola described the proposed improvements as a partnership between government and citizens abroad, saying stronger institutions and better engagement would benefit both Nigeria and its diaspora population.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards of excellence to Tunji-Ojo by diaspora organisations and members of the Ondo community in Poland in recognition of ongoing reforms within the interior ministry.
Participants pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving government services and strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with its citizens living overseas.
