Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has called on foreign missions in Nigeria including the United States, and China to set up their consular services in the state.
According to the governor, this would reduce challenges faced by people from South-east and South-south regions who travel long distances to Abuja and Lagos for visa applications.
Mbah made the call on Thursday, when he visited a visa application centre, opened in Enugu by the British High Commission in Nigeria.
In a post on his X handle on Thursday, the governor said the UK visa application centre in Enugu will be of great benefit to people of South-east and South-south seeking consular services.
The governor, who expressed his satisfaction with the services rendered at the UK Visa Application Centre in Enugu, encouraged everyone in South-east and South-south regions to take advantage of the facility.
Prime Business Africa had reported that the British High Commission in Nigeria, opened the opening of the visa centre in Enugu in September 2023.
“I’m impressed by the prompt and courteous services being rendered at the UK Visa Application Centre in Enugu,” Governor Mbah stated.
“Having this centre domiciled in the Coal City means that our people in the South East and South South no longer have to travel long distances to Lagos or Abuja for their UK visa applications.
“I encourage everyone in these regions to take full advantage of this facility, and I also invite Nigerians from other parts of the country to do the same.”
Justifying his call for other foreign missions to set up consular service in the state, Mbah said Enugu remains central to economic activities and travel in the South-east and South-south.
“I call on other foreign missions, such as the US and Chinese governments, to set up their consular services here in Enugu.
“Our state, with its rich history and large population, remains central to economic activities and travel in the South-East and South-South.
“As Enugu continues to grow as a hub of opportunities and service delivery, we remain committed to making life easier and more convenient for our people. We couldn’t be prouder of the progress we are achieving together. Let’s do more,” Mbah stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.