Federal Govt Urged To Stop French Embassy Alleged Poor Treatment Of Visa Applicants

A concerned Nigerian, Prophet David Kingsley Eli, has appealed to the federal government to intervene in the alleged seizure of Nigerian passports and discriminatory treatment of visa applicants by the French Embassy in Lagos.

The cleric made the appeal in a statement issued yesterday where he accused the embassy of unlawfully retaining passports belonging to Nigerians for more than two months without updates or final decisions.

He described the alleged conduct of the French consular services as hostile, unprofessional and unfair to applicants.

According to him, several Nigerians, including business owners, students and families, have been left stranded after submitting their passports for visa processing.

Prophet Eli said the prolonged retention of their passports violates the fundamental rights of the citizens to freedom of movement.

“A Nigerian passport remains the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and should not be held indefinitely by any foreign mission,” he stated.

He also raised concerns over the economic impact of the alleged delays, noting that genuine investors and traders were being discouraged from doing business with France.

The prophet said the situation could weaken trade relations between both countries if not urgently addressed.

He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Immigration Service to take immediate diplomatic steps to protect Nigerians and enforce reciprocal treatment.

“Nigeria is a leading economy in Africa and a strategic partner to France. Our citizens deserve dignity, fairness and respect,” he added.