The US embassy in Nigeria has announced that it is no longer accepting visa renewal applications via international courier service DHL.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the embassy said Nigerians seeking to get US non-immigrant visas must apply online, and "will be required to appear in-person at the US Embassy in Abuja or US Consulate General in Lagos to submit their application for review". 

The decision had been taken to "to provide more efficient customer service and promote legitimate travel", the statement said. 

However, Nigerians who have already given their passports for visa renewal via "Dropbox" to DHL will not be affected, it added.

CONSULAR NOTICE: Interview waivers for renewals, otherwise known as the “Dropbox” process is indefinitely suspended effective today, Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria . Read details » https://t.co/V0wEnFB4AJ pic.twitter.com/KXlsQl4cWq

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USEmbassyAbuja) May 14, 2019