President Bola Tinubu has mandated federal agencies overseeing consular and immigration affairs to adhere rigorously to Nigeria’s international commitments and to enhance collaboration in verifying the identities of citizens seeking visas and consular services abroad.
This directive comes in response to recent shifts in visa policies by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have affected Nigerian travellers.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Federal Government reiterated its dedication to maintaining Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relations with both countries.
The US Government has indicated that the new visa regulations for Nigerian nationals are part of a global review of visa reciprocity, driven by concerns over elevated visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for more reliable identity verification for applicants.
These periodic reviews may lead to alterations in the number of permitted entries and the validity of visas issued.
In light of these developments, President Tinubu has instructed all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure their practices align with international standards, particularly regarding biometric data, identity verification, and travel documentation.
He also urged Nigerians living abroad to comply with the immigration laws of their host nations and maintain the integrity of their travel documents.
Regarding the United Arab Emirates, the Presidency noted that while there have been reports of slow and selective transit visa issuance for Nigerians, no formal policy changes have been communicated by UAE authorities.
Despite this ambiguity, the Federal Government praised the UAE for its “constructive and engaged” approach, assuring Nigerians that diplomatic channels remain operational.
“The President values the ongoing cooperation from the UAE Government, which continues to engage positively with Nigerian officials. Any legitimate concerns raised are being addressed through appropriate diplomatic channels,” the statement affirmed.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity worldwide, aligning with his 4-D Foreign Policy agenda—Defence, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora.
The Federal Government will persist in pursuing actions that safeguard and promote the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad while further strengthening diplomatic ties with both the United States and the UAE.