Federal Govt Canvasses Improved Welfare For Nigerians In India

The minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing, in India, said the federal government has made significant strides in addressing the threat of terrorist groups by utilising kinetic as well as intelligence means.

Aregbesola highlighted some achievements recorded by the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the nation’s intelligence, security, and military services. These include: uncovering an estimated 100 high-risk financiers of the Boko Haram with identified links to 10 different countries. Ultimately, resulting in the arrest of 48 of these financiers and the ongoing prosecution of a number of them.

Aregbesola also canvassed improved welfare for Nigerians living, studying or seeking business opportunities in India. He made a four point demand from the Indian government for an improved well being of Nigerians living in that country.

He advocated for a change in the Indian Visa Policy for Nigerian Students. This is to allow Nigerian students have visa for study programmes and not on six monthly basis which is burdensome in cost and time.

The minister also canvassed granting special visa for Nigerian Business men and women to facilitate trade between the two nations. He urged the Indian government to, as a matter of urgency reciprocate Visa on Arrival policy of Nigeria in India for Nigerians visiting India.

Being the largest in population and economy in Africa, Aregbesola canvassed at the conference, the inclusion of Nigeria as a full member of the G20 group of nations for Justice and Equity.