Group Debunks Extortion Claims Against Nigerian High Commission in London
London (Core Reporters) A group under the auspices of the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK) has debunked extortion allegations against the Nigerian High Commission in London, saying that the recent social media reports alleging that the NHC in London is engaging in extortion in the processing of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) and Passports are both inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement jointly signed by Hon. Judith Akuta, 1st Vice Chair (Passport Matters), Rose P. Graham, Publicity Secretary, and Tekena Douglas, Assistant Publicity Secretary and made available to Core Reporters on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 CANUK said, in the interest of clarity and transparency, we wish to set the record straight.
“A widely circulated video by Dr. Chido A.A on his social media handle alleged that an Emergency Travel Certificate was issued at a charge of £132. For the avoidance of doubt, the official and statutory fees are as follows:
£120- Standard fee for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
£12-Optional Royal Mail secure postage service, for applicants who prefer not to collect ETCs in person
$230-Standard fee for Passport issuance/renewal (64-page booklet)
$150-Standard fee for Passport issuance/renewal (32-page booklet)
“It is important to emphasise that the Emergency Travel Certificate is not “an ordinary paper,” as alleged. Rather, it is a specially printed and crested document bearing the Nigerian Coat of Arms and embedded with security features to ensure authenticity and recognition by airport and border control officials.
“With respect to the specific case raised, official records confirm that Dr. Chido applied for ETCs for two individuals. The total sum of £264 paid (£120 × 2, plus £12 × 2 for secure postage) was therefore accurate, transparent, and fully consistent with the established fee structure.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Judith Akuta, 1st Vice Chair (Passport Matters), used the opportunity to remind all Nigerians in the United Kingdom that applications for Passports and Emergency Travel Certificates should be made directly through the Nigerian High Commission. The use of unauthorised intermediaries or channels exposes applicants to misinformation, additional expenses, and unnecessary delays.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, CANUK Chairman Hon. Ily Maisanda reaffirmed CANUK’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the High Commission and with Nigerians in the UK to uphold transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery in the best interests of our community.
