(DDM) – VFS Global, the world’s leading visa outsourcing and technology services company, is expanding its operations across Nigeria in response to growing demand for visa processing services.
According to DDM findings, the expansion comes as more Nigerians, including families, sports teams, and corporate groups, apply for visas through organised channels, increasing pressure on existing facilities in Lagos and Abuja.
Siddharth Mehra, VFS Global’s Chief Operating Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that the company is committed to making the application process easier and more accessible for travellers outside Nigeria’s major urban centres.
“Our mission is to ensure that every traveller’s journey begins smoothly, supported by technology, security and trust,” Mehra said.
VFS Global currently manages visa processing for 69 governments and operates more than 3,900 centres in 165 countries worldwide.
Since its inception in 2001, the firm has handled over 514 million transactions globally.
In Nigeria, rising travel interest has led to appointment backlogs and long waiting times, prompting applicants to seek alternatives to reduce delays and avoid unnecessary travel.
The company has seen a significant increase in the use of its mobile visa submission service, which allows applicants to complete documentation and biometric processing from a location of their choice.
According to a spokesperson for Remo Stars Football Club, which recently used the service, the group submission process was “seamless and efficiently managed,” ensuring that all players received adequate support throughout the procedure.
To complement its main offices in Lagos and Abuja, VFS Global has launched Premium Application Centres in Enugu, Kano, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
These centres offer advanced services, including document scanning, real-time notifications, courier return of passports, optional services such as Keep My Passport While Applying, and extended operating hours that cover evenings and weekends.
The expansion is supported by VFS Global’s Live Identity Processing technology, designed to enhance biometric accuracy and secure applicant data.
Several Nigerian organisations have already taken advantage of group bookings in recent months, combining mobile submissions with the premium centre services for efficiency and convenience.
Mehra added that the firm is upgrading its infrastructure to keep pace with increasing travel for work, study, sports, and leisure purposes.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s growing middle class and rising outbound travel trends have created strong demand for streamlined visa services, making VFS Global’s expansion a timely development.
The company’s strategy reflects a broader effort to integrate technology, security, and customer service into visa processing while reducing congestion at key centres.
Travel stakeholders, including corporate bodies, sports associations, and educational institutions, are expected to benefit from the expanded network of facilities and services.
With the enhanced services, VFS Global aims to improve travel efficiency for Nigerian applicants and ensure smoother global mobility amid rising demand.