Nigeria’s embassy puts country's population at 120m

Whereas modern websites are updated on hourly basis to reflect changing trends, the portal of the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC chooses to remain an archive. Even it that, the information it feeds the international community about Nigeria is at best outdated.

For instance, the embassy still pegs the country’s population at 120 million.

“Much has been said and written about Nigeria, her people and culture, economy and politics, that sheds light on the tremendous potential of this African giant. However, little is known to the outside world about the many exciting tourist attractions available in Nigeria: historic sites nestled amid rivers and rain forests. There are also museums, festivals, music and dance. These are just some of the spectacular sights and sensual delights awaiting travellers to Nigeria. Nigeria has the largest population of any country in Africa (about 120 million),” it said. 

The portal, however, matches its contemporaries in terms update on commercial services. Its consular section contains details of charges and the number of days it takes to produces a visa.

According to the diplomatic office, a visa takes 10 working days. But applicants could request for “expedited service”, in which case, they are charged higher. For this service, a visa is delivered in three to four days, depending on the category.

For both passport and visa, all an applicant needs is a visit to the site to get detail information in terms of charges, requirements, documentation process, document collection and visiting hours.

An applicant seeking replacement for lost passports pays a $350 penalty in addition to $30 processing fee.

Fresh and renewal adult applicants are charged $106 each while the under-aged and the elderly pay $77. In all cases, a $30 additional processing charge applies.

Information glean from the site on Monday says the consular has stopped the handling of correction in the US.

“Henceforth, applicants wishing to amend the details on their Nigerian passport are required to effect the changes in Nigeria. The embassy will no longer entertain request in that regard,” the site states.