In a prompt reaction to the suspension, by the United States, of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport owners, on Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari has set up a ministerial committee to appraise the development with a view to ensuring that “all updates are properly implemented”.
This was one of the high points of a press statement issued in Abuja, Saturday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who also revealed that the committee would be headed by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
“The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented,” Adesina further stated in the release.
“Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security,” the statement added.
Below is the full text of the release:
UNITED STATES SUSPENSION OF THE ISSUANCE OF IMMIGRANT VISAS TO NIGERIANS
On 31st January 2020, the United States (U.S) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced temporary travel restrictions on six (6) countries including Nigeria.
For Nigeria, the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only. This suspension shall come into effect on 21st February 2020. The suspension does not apply to other U.S visas such as those for official, business, tourism and student travel.
The DHS states the suspension of “immigrant visas” became necessary following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments. This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.
Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security. Accordingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has established a committee, to be chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements. The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.
FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 1, 2020
