Nigeria Appeals to U.S Over Visa Ban

The Nigerian Government on Thursday urged the United States of America to consider the long-standing relationship between the two countries and reverse its visa restrictions on the country.

Ministry of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the call on Thursday, when the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, and her team paid him a visit to Abuja.

Aregebsola said Nigeria had complied with most of the issues of concern raised by America, adding that Nigeria is not a pariah nation.

The minister said the cooperation with the U.S. would solve Immigration and Consular issues in control of persons seeking to enter both countries through the issuance of visa, passport and other travel documents.

According to Aregbesola, Nigeria should be commended rather than sanctioned owing to a relationship with America.

He further appealed to the U.S. to review its Visa Validity to Nigerians from two years limit to at least five years

He also urged the U.S. to establish a third office in Nigeria in reciprocity with the country which has establishments in Atlanta, New York, and Washington D.C.

Aregebsola emphasized the need for both countries to strengthen the Security Governance Initiative between his Ministry and American Embassy through proper enlightenment and awareness creation.

The minister added that the relationship between both nations must be mutually beneficial.

He gave the assurance that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was not only committed to ensuring internal security and citizenship integrity of Nigerians and foreigners alike, but also to the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes and criminalities.

‘’We are positive that visa restriction is a temporary one, it will soon be put behind us.

“President Muhammadu Buhari would commission the Nigeria Immigration Data Technology Centre before the end of the year 2020, as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that her data is linked with security agencies globally.”

Earlier, the envoy said her team was in the Ministry to share ideas on possible ways of addressing the Information sharing gap between the two nations.

Leonard added that America had a very broad collaboration with Nigeria, which covers immigration, safety issues, and security.

The envoy gave assurance of her country’s determination to continue to collaborate with Nigeria, so as to further strengthen their relationship.