President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal agencies involved in consular and immigration matters to strictly comply with Nigeria’s international commitments and enhance intergovernmental collaboration in verifying the identities of citizens applying for 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 affected Nigerian travellers.
Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Tuesday, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic ties with both countries.
According to Onanuga, “The U.S. Government officially communicated that the new visa rules affecting Nigerian nationals are part of its global visa reciprocity review and are based on two key concerns: high rates of visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for more dependable access to applicants’ identity records.”
He explained that the U.S. clarified such reviews are periodic and may involve changes to the number of entries permitted and the validity period of issued visas.
In response, President Tinubu directed all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to align their operations with international standards, particularly in matters concerning biometric data, identity authentication, and documentation required for foreign travel.
The President also urged Nigerians abroad to comply with the immigration laws of their host countries and uphold the integrity of the travel documents and privileges granted to them.
On the United Arab Emirates, the Presidency clarified that although there have been reports of selective issuance of transit visas to Nigerians, no formal notice has been received from UAE authorities indicating a policy change.
Despite the uncertainty, the Federal Government commended the UAE for its constructive engagement with Nigerian authorities.
“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 read.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect worldwide, in line with his 4-D Foreign Policy Agenda — Defence, Democracy, Development, and Diaspora.
The Federal Government also pledged to continue pursuing outcomes that protect the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad while deepening diplomatic ties with both the United States and the UAE.
PIAK