The House of Representatives has called on the United States government to reverse its decision to downgrade visa privileges for Nigerian citizens.
It called for a return to the previous five-year multiple-entry visa regime.
The House had condemned what it described as a strong tendency by the U.S. State Department to grade Nigerian visa status without due consideration of the historical, strategic, and people-oriented ties between the two nations.
In a resolution, moved by Mr. Mutha Mohammed and six other lawmakers, the House tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the U.S. government diplomatically to prevent further strain in bilateral relations and safeguard the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.
“We urge the U.S. embassies in Nigeria and the U.S. Department of State to rescind this visa policy and restore the five-year multiple-entry visa previously granted to Nigerians, in the spirit of mutual respect, equity, and reciprocity,” the lawmakers stated.
The House also encouraged sustained dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, to address security, human rights, and policy concerns that could hinder shared democratic and economic aspirations.
The Chairman of the U.S.-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Okey Joe Onuakalusi informed members that even before the resolution, a formal letter had been sent to the U.S. Congress through Congressman Smith, following discussions during a recent visit.
He said the group would now review the House’s resolution in detail, hold a robust discussion, and determine the next steps in advancing the matter.
“A copy of the resolution and the votes and proceedings from the July 22 session has been attached to the letter from the Clerk of the House for further action,” he said.
The committee on US/ Nigeria parliamentary friendship, is also to hold an Economic and investment summit 2015.
The Summit is foster economic relations through legislative diplomacy and engagement.
The aim of the summit is to leverage inter-parliamentary collaboration and explore strategic and sustainable investments and business opportunities by means of stakeholders collaboration in order to strengthen the economic growth and ties of Nigeria and the United States of America.
Mr. Onuakalusi added the summit will add value to the common interests by bringing together investors and stakeholders from both Countries for exchange of ideals, networking collaboration, and maximization of potentials.
Lateefah Ibrahim