President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal agencies involved in consular and immigration matters to ensure strict compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations, and to deepen inter-governmental cooperation in verifying the identities of citizens seeking visas and other consular services abroad.
The directive follows recent adjustments in visa issuance policies by the Governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have impacted Nigerian travellers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the long-standing diplomatic ties Nigeria shares with both nations.
According to the statement, the US Government officially communicated that the new visa rules affecting Nigerian nationals were part of its global visa reciprocity review and were based on two key concerns: high rates of visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for more dependable access to applicants’ identity records.
The US clarified that such reviews were periodic and may involve changes to the number of entries permitted and the validity period of issued visas.
Reacting to the developments, President Tinubu directed all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to align their operations with international standards, especially in matters involving biometric data, identity authentication, and documentation required for foreign travel.
He also urged Nigerians abroad to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and uphold the integrity of the travel documents and privileges granted to them.
On the issue of the United Arab Emirates, the Presidency clarified that while there have been observations regarding the gradual and selective issuance of transit visas to Nigerians, no formal notice has been received from UAE authorities indicating a change in policy.
Despite the uncertainty, the Federal Government commended the UAE for what it described as a “constructive and engaged” posture, assuring Nigerians that diplomatic channels remained open and active.
“The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities. Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration,” the statement said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world. He noted that this is in line with his 4-D Foreign Policy agenda—Defence, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora.
The Federal Government also reiterated that it would continue to pursue outcomes that protect and promote the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad, while further deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships with both the United States and the UAE.
