collins2:

why is the story the same about nigeria embassies all over the world,why why,may GOD help us

Charity begins only at home. You cant expect Nigerian embassies to be different from Naija home attitude

The Nigerians high commission is like a zoo. I agree they need to replace the staff. they dont need to hire White people, but I think they should hire Nigerians who were born/raised in the UK who are of at least degree level and have dual citizenship.

Most of us, see the so called "Nigerian mentality" as a very foreign way of doing things.

It is not about colour, it is about culture and how it affects your level of professionalism, customer care, personal attitude towards your work.

The current employees do not stand out in Nigeria as particluarly bad, just one among many. There behaviour stands out as appauling against the backdrop of the society they are in, ie the UK.

The business of the embassy has not changed since inception. Why has it been so difficult to get a handle on things in that place?

They do need a change of staff! The current staff need to be replaced by people with brains!

Yeah think, hmm know so, went there to get my daughter and my passport sorted and had absolutely no information to go by, u ask and they look at you as if you were a dumb ass

I was at the embassy for the first time about a week ago to renew my passport. On the website it said I could pay by card and postal order so I stupidly believed them and got a postal order for £15 for the processing fee and took my card along for the application fee. After waiting in line for about an hour and a half just to to get my documents checked (and it probably took me about 30 minutes to find out which line I should be on as there are no straight forward signs) I was told I had to pay the application fee by postal order as well because machine no work, lol.
Anyway I get to the nearest post office and as soon as I tell the lady I want a postal order for Nigerian High commision she tells me I can only pay cash no card, and as I'm asking her why another Nigerian on the queue tells me thats what they do, they only accept cash from us, WHAT! I wasn't having that, so I demand to see the manager who tells the lady to accept my card.
I go back to the embassy spend another couple of hours waiting and while waiting I ask the staff if they are aware that the post office is insisting on collecting only cash for our postal orders and no one seems bothered by this.

I think the embassy needs a proper overhaul, there are no proper signs as to what you have to do when you get in, the staff seem to be very old school and operate as if they are doing you a favour, the whole place was dirty and shabby. I noticed a feed back box and I took my time (while waiting, lol) to write a few suggestions and put in the box. I doubt if they ever check it though!

Awww, I feel sorry for everyone who has had a bad, and terrible experiences with Nigerian Embassies, however, I must say I can see their rudeness and incompetence is everywhere. They are no different here in DC. As for the guy who had his passport lost and found from no where, did you file a report with the Department of State? I mean you couldn't have been the only victim of such crime, just that you took it a little bit serious. As for Nigeria, we have a long way ahead of us.

I wasnt the guy, but I was present on that day, the guy in question was infront me, but he was told to get out! in a dismissive way! I frooze at that point, they said they couldnt find his passport and he should go and apply for another one, I was thinking this was a joke! They guy walked out slowly, I first thought that this guy has been mugged off that his passport has gone, but when the police arrived, you know what the police were prepared turn the embassy inside out until they find the PPT

omar22:




I wasnt the guy, but I was present on that day, the guy in question was infront me, but he was told to get out! in a dismissive way! I frooze at that point, they said they couldnt find his passport and he should go and apply for another one, I was thinking this was a joke! They guy walked out slowly, I first thought that this guy has been mugged off that his passport has gone, but when the police arrived, you know what the police were prepared turn the embassy inside out until they find the PPT

The first time i was at the BHC. London, my friend was there also to get a passport for her child who has dual citizenship (irish and nigerian). She gave the guy at the counter all the documents, original and copies, before leavin the counter she checked her documents when her documents were returned to her to make payment at the cash counter Lo and behold the original irish birth certificate was gone!  and the guy inisted that she didnt give him the oriiginal birth certifcate.

A huge scene was created and the staffs were less bothered about it (imagine) until her husband took his phone and dialled the police in their presence. Trust niaja, another guy came out from the office (maybe they called him with intercom )(it was well planned)

staff: madam do u have a photocopoy of the birth certificate in question?

my friend: Yes, here it is,

staff: it seems i saw it somewhere

staff goes behind counter and brings the original irish birth certificate out

I thought she didnt submit the original?     

busybody20:

The first time i was at the BHC. London, my friend was there also to get a passport for her child who has dual citizenship (irish and nigerian). She gave the guy at the counter all the documents, original and copies, before leavin the counter she checked her documents when her documents were returned to her to make payment at the cash counter Lo and behold the original irish birth certificate was gone!  and the guy inisted that she didnt give him the oriiginal birth certifcate.

A huge scene was created and the staffs were less bothered about it (imagine) until her husband took his phone and dialled the police in their presence. Trust niaja, another guy came out from the office (maybe they called him with intercom )(it was well planned)

staff: madam do u have a photocopoy of the birth certificate in question?

my friend: Yes, here it is,

staff: it seems i saw it somewhere

staff goes behind counter and brings the original irish birth certificate out

I thought she didnt submit the original?     

that is the people for you. just wait until you want to naturalize and hear the idots suggest you renounce your british or american citizenship.  the first time i heard it i tot it was a joke.

most of the dalys are done inorder for you to pay bribe.

~Sauron~:

Personally, i think the Nigerian Ambassador to the UK should be sacked for allowing such mess.

I think i will take a camera there one day and capture all the rubbish happening in that place on tape.
By the time we name and shame these plonkers, maybe they will sit tight and behave responsibly.
The workers there are either too old for the jobs they are doing OR they ain't fit for purpose.
There's no difference between that place and a chaotic Oshodi bus-stop at rush hour. . . . .

the bobo na yaradua friend so no chance.
what i think is more shamefull is the girl at the front desk of the main office eating peanut publicly without shame. sadly that is where visitors go unlike the visa section where you will find mostly our people. cant they ban them from eating publicly?

JJYOU:

that is the people for you. just wait until you want to naturalize and hear the idots suggest you renounce your british or american citizenship. the first time i heard it i tot it was a joke.

Its no Joke! I can testify to it. Before leaving she was asked to bring all her 3 kids including the little one all the way from Manchester on the day of collection!

That she will only be given the passport of the children she brings. Imagine (I guess thats their own way of dealing with her)

u knw d saying dat gose"u can take a girl out of the barracks, but u cannot take d barracks out of her" thats wats happaening to nigerians every wia but we seriously need a change of attitude every wia u go almost the same thing.

u knw d saying dat gose"u can take a girl out of the barracks, but u cannot take d barracks out of her" thats wats happaening to nigerians every wia but we seriously need a change of attitude every wia u go almost the same thing.

My question is, why do they have to send staffs with moronic attitude down here, why cant they hire the Nigerians down in England than to bring down someone who would be acting like a real "LOKI" or should I say "LOCOTARIAN"

i think nigerians need to go for rehab. based on customer service, or wat do u think,

oh boy, d ambassador 2 be sacked, pls dont allow dem hear u wo, do u knw wat it took to get him dia? jst because of mere misconduct dat he might nt even be aware and also is of no concern 2 him wil nt get him out of dat office, bt i bet u if any dignitory shuld folow d que and recieve d same gash as every oda person trust me he will go out, dats hw d game woks

mawash:

oh boy, d ambassador 2 be sacked, pls dont allow dem hear u wo, do u knw wat it took to get him dia? jst because of mere misconduct dat he might nt even be aware and also is of no concern 2 him wil nt get him out of dat office, bt i bet u if any dignitory shuld folow d que and recieve d same gash as every oda person trust me he will go out, dats hw d game woks

With all that text-style typing, it's hard to comprehend what you're trying to get across.

Siena:

With all that text-style typing, it's hard to comprehend what you're trying to get across.

What the person is trying to say is that the ambassador cannot be sacked unless a known dignitary goes in there and receives the same experience, then he will go out and act or out of the office that is how the game works.

Obviously, this known dignitary wouldn't have to go through the same hurdle like many of you do, because Nigerian officers and their Diplomatic delegates are all corrupt, meaning that they can bribe their way to anything. Trust me, it might not be happening in London, I always heard but finally I've seen it happen in Washington DC office on Connecticut Ave.

Thank you all for the response, at least we all know the truth now from people experience, so is not that I'm lieing.

@ Untainted

u raised very important issues and have received very sensible replies.
but i want to know if it is about the Hausa man or the problems of the embassy

Thanks for the question, I will say its the problem of the Nigeria embassy for failling to create a proper good management also, the Hausa guy is not well trained to be a customer service. A good customer service will not fight and will always have good manners and will take his time to deal with any issue with sense. If he/she is not sure of what to do then he/she will contact his supervisor or manager. Also he/she can have a word with his team mate for solution. Hope have answered ur question   

NOTE: Being Hausa man is not my problem, but just providing a good service for customers is the main talk right here, I'm a Yoruba boy tho hope u not upset with me sha,       .

mawash:

i think nigerians need to go for rehab. based on customer service, or wat do u think,

,,,,,lol

From what we have seen this problem does not only apply to nigerian embassy in london it shows it happens in all nigerian embassies all over the world.
The problem we are facing is a product of our government ministries. All Nigeria gvt offices have same mentality both in nigeria and abroad were govt workers see themselves as God and, nothing is done to improve the service.
We nigerians too do not help matters as we are used to being chased around by a military or sercurity man before we will behave ourself .
Tell me even our international airport what do you think of it?
A friend of mine once said the kind of organisation and customer service in startford station is better than that of our international airports put togther.
So my brother it is not nigerian embassy it is the government ministry as a whole.

as a leopard cannot change its spots, a Nigerian cannot change his colour- green!

Couldn't agree more about the Nig High Commission in London though I've had 2 good experiences with them. However, the place is a hell hole and needs major overhaul of physical structure and staff.

I'm struggling to believe all these stories of people calling the police when the High Commission/Embassy has lost documents. Surely local police can't just enter another embassy's offices because someone called them about a lost document, they have diplomatic immunity surely. Otherwise, Health and Safety executives should have shut down the High Commission in London. I pray there is never a fire or need to evacuate quickly in that place.

LadyT - just say "crazy lady at the NHC" to anyone who's had to apply for a visa and see what response you get!

carpe diem - I had the same problem as you, they wouldn't take my credit card and was told they wouldn't take my debit card either.  I've used my debit card at post offices before - they're good enough for me to deposit my money and to make withdrawals, but not to pay for a service?

Nameoh - I think you meant "Stratford" Station right?

I think if you go to any station where there are Nigerian staff you will probably get better treatment than from some of those at the high commission.  So maybe they should consider hiring these people instead

Siena:

With all these things taking place at the NHC London, I'm surprised the building's still standing.

And the staff still walk without the aid of canes, or crutches. One of these days. . .

Please please my sister, don't give anyone any ideas!  It'll just be an excuse for the incompetent to be seen as martyrs.

Ilelobola:

Couldn't agree more about the Nig High Commission in London though I've had 2 good experiences with them. However, the place is a hell hole and needs major overhaul of physical structure and staff.

I'm struggling to believe all these stories of people calling the police when the High Commission/Embassy has lost documents. Surely local police can't just enter another embassy's offices because someone called them about a lost document, they have diplomatic immunity surely. Otherwise, Health and Safety executives should have shut down the High Commission in London. I pray there is never a fire or need to evacuate quickly in that place.

I wondered the same thing but then I think they are exceptions where police will intervene.  I also had a discussion with someone about health and safety, whether the HC would be prosecuted for the results of a fire as you would think that H&S law should apply.  But then if it's seen as "foreign territory", even if symbolically so, would UK Health Safety law still be applicable?

That Nigerian Website for UK get K-Leg,

Han han 

Anyway the KOKO be say make you get info from there

N101:


Please please my sister, don't give anyone any ideas!  It'll just be an excuse for the incompetent to be seen as martyrs.I wondered the same thing but then I think they are exceptions where police will intervene.  I also had a discussion with someone about health and safety, whether the HC would be prosecuted for the results of a fire as you would think that H&S law should apply.  But then if it's seen as "foreign territory", even if symbolically so, would UK Health  Safety law still be applicable?

In my own opinion, my answer is NO. The Nigerian High commission are granted Diplomatic Immunity governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. However there are exemptions to a certain clauses which states that a host country Government can revoke this immunity if such person(s) covered committed a serious and grievous crime which is not associated with their diplomatic mission. In this case, they have not committed any crime or done anything that would warrant it to be revoked, then the UK law does not play any role. I can agree with you that the police cannot barge in to an embassy, but then again its a crime when you "WILLFULLY" withhold government property (British Passports), and yes they couldn't have just gone in, they would have had prior authorization from the Secretary of State or minister or whoever it is in charge of foreign diplomatic missions.

manny4life:

In my own opinion, my answer is NO. The Nigerian High commission are granted Diplomatic Immunity governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. However there are exemptions to a certain clauses which states that a host country Government can revoke this immunity if such person(s) covered committed a serious and grievous crime which is not associated with their diplomatic mission. In this case, they have not committed any crime or done anything that would warrant it to be revoked, then the UK law does not play any role. I can agree with you that the police cannot barge in to an embassy, but then again its a crime when you "WILLFULLY" withhold government property (British Passports), and yes they couldn't have just gone in, they would have had prior authorization from the Secretary of State or minister or whoever it is in charge of foreign diplomatic missions.

While I would think UK Health and Safety law may not apply, it becomes another matter if a Health & Safety incident occurred on site involving UK nationals.  Under normal circumstances the HSE would be involved, in this case I can't imagine it being very different, just that bit more complex.  In such circumstances, I can't imagine that the NHC would have as much freedom and immunity.

I expect that the police would intervene regarding withholding a passport, but I wonder if they really get than many calls about the same problem(s) at the NHC?  If that is the case, doesn't it paint the high commission in a bad light? 

(no I don't lay awake thinking about this stuff, but it does bug me!!)

SO, wht is the next step?

Last year when i was 16 was the first time i went to the Nigerian embassy in london and i laughed at first cuz there were soo many funny things going on. But soon after it just got soo frustrating, i soon started to feel like i was in some market in lagos. It was like a zoo in there. There were people shouting, one old man was tryin to fight this dude for pushin in and the staff have no manners. I find it funny that oyinbo people that want to go to Naija have to go through all of this.

One thing that was appaling was the building. It looked sooooo nice from the outside but when i found out it was in the basement i nearly slapped myself. The place looked and smelt like Nigeria.

The website of the embassy is the worst thing i have ever set my eyes on. It was like they got a blind person to design it

N101:

While I would think UK Health and Safety law may not apply, it becomes another matter if a Health & Safety incident occurred on site involving UK nationals.  Under normal circumstances the HSE would be involved, in this case I can't imagine it being very different, just that bit more complex.  In such circumstances, I can't imagine that the NHC would have as much freedom and immunity.

I expect that the police would intervene regarding withholding a passport, but I wonder if they really get than many calls about the same problem(s) at the NHC?  If that is the case, doesn't it paint the high commission in a bad light? 

(no I don't lay awake thinking about this stuff, but it does bug me!!)

I'm sorry it wasn't to intervene, but like the original quote said was to search the place for missing passports and documents. If the embassy doesn't employ any British citizen which by law are authorized to work under a healthy environment like in the U.S is governed by (OSHA -Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration) does, then I believe it doesn't affect them. Yes they will have a bad name and British officials would give certain recommendations, doesn't mean they have to comply with it. Yes they would have as much freedom only if it affects a UK national, and its unlikely for them to intervene because this is a treaty and can neither be modified by just one nation.

May god help us

Nigeriana will never be or behave like europeans no matter how long they have spent in europe. It is a national disgrace any where Nigeria name is mentioned in the world. Educating someone in mind and not in morals is to add much menance to the society. I read with dismay all the surfferings of fellow country men and women at our past glory embassy in uk. Our Minster of external affairs what is his role in updating this commissions. Despite Government funding, they are to generate fund thru: Good customer care, Rebranding of Nigeria, etc just like their counterparts in other embassies. Do u know how much USA and UK embassies make in Nigeria alone?

ONE NIGERIA IN DEED. WE ARE ONLY FOOLING OURSELVES.

Does anybody in Government care about all these TOUTS and thier attitude ?

SHAME TO SELF ACCLAIMED GIANT OF AFRICA.

ehisianya:

Nigeriana will never be or behave like europeans no matter how long they have spent in europe,,,,,,,,

See wahala-o. Must we be like dem? abi we be white men too? African inferiority complex