The Nigeria High Commission in London has clarified the controversy surrounding the £70 administrative fee paid by some Nigerians during the ongoing passport intervention exercise in the United Kingdom.

The mission said the £70 charge was not approved by the Federal Government, stressing that the standard administrative fee for the passport intervention remains £20.

The clarification came after the commission announced that applicants who had already paid £70 would receive a £50 refund, effectively bringing the administrative charge to the approved £20.

“This is to inform all passport intervention applicants who have paid a £70 admin fee that £50 will be refunded to you, £20 being the standard admin fee,” the commission stated in a notice published on its website.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service said passport production and dispatch for enrolled applicants in the United Kingdom had commenced and were progressing steadily.

The Service appreciated members of the Nigerian community in the UK for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the passport intervention exercise.

The NIS also urged applicants to continue cooperating with officials handling the exercise to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of passports.“Passport production and dispatch for enrolled applicants have commenced and are progressing steadily.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service appreciates the patience, understanding and cooperation of members of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom throughout the exercise.

“The Service further urges all applicants to continue cooperating with officials on the ground to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of the intervention,” the statement said.

The development is expected to provide clarity for Nigerians who participated in the passport intervention exercise and paid the disputed £70 administrative fee.Applicants affected by the payment are expected to receive the £50 refund, while the approved administrative charge remains £20.