A wave of frustration and disappointment has swept through the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom following a last-minute announcement from the Nigerian High Commission in London regarding its closure for the Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Many Nigerians, who had scheduled appointments for passport renewals, visa processing, and other critical consular services for Monday were caught off guard by the notice.
The announcement, which cited the closure due to the UK public holiday, was reportedly circulated via the embassy’s website and social media handles in the early hours of Monday, leaving little time for individuals to adjust their plans.
An applicant, AKANNI with the X handle @ray_hadji expressed his dismay outside the locked gates of the embassy.
·
“Nigerian High Commission knew today was bank holiday before fixing appointments for alot of people, now we’re here and you’re just updating your website of closure. Why are we like this as a country?
The Summer Bank Holiday, observed on the last Monday in August in the UK, is a widely publicised national holiday. Critics argue that the High Commission’s scheduling and public relations office should have anticipated the closure and issued a warning to the public well in advance, as is standard practice for other diplomatic missions.
A brief statement on the High Commission’s website and social media channels confirms the closure but does not address the late notice or the inconvenience caused. It simply reads: “The Nigeria High Commission wishes to inform the general public that the Mission will be closed on Monday, August 25, 2025 to observe for the Summer Bank Holiday in England and Wales as declared by the Host Government. Normal services will, however resume on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.”
