Visa Row: FG pledges diplomatic resolution with U.S., UAE

The federal government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to resolving the visa dispute with the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through diplomatic engagement.
The government also reiterated its unwavering commitment to strengthening longstanding cordial diplomatic relations with the governments of both countries.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
He said the reassurance followed recent adjustments in visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens by both countries.
According to Mr Onanuga, relevant government agencies are actively engaging with their counterparts to address the concerns through appropriate channels.
The United States government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records.
It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations.
President Bola Tinubu, he said, had directed all federal agencies to comply fully with international obligations and strengthen consular identity verification systems.
“The president calls on Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions,” Mr Onanuga said.
Regarding new visa requirements for UAE transit visas, Mr Onanuga clarified that no formal notice had been received from the Emirati government.
He said, “The federal government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy. However, it is observed that visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner.’’
According to him, the president appreciates the UAE’s ongoing cooperation with Nigerian authorities and commitment to resolving issues.
“Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration,” Mr Onanuga added.
He said the president gave an assurance that the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a top priority under his 4-D Foreign Policy agenda, particularly its diaspora engagement pillar.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the governments of both the United States of America and the UAE.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Ibadan woman, 49, arraigned over alleged theft of items worth N1.5 million
Mr Owolabi said the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

NationWide
FRSC urges caution motorists to drive carefully during rainy season
Mr Kayo urged road users to prioritise safety at all times

Lagos
LASEPA shuts 10 establishments over environmental violations
Mr Ajayi said, “Compliance with environmental regulations is a collective responsibility.”

Abuja
Sales rep arraigned for stealing employer’s wood
A sales representative, Emmanuel Effiong of Kubwa, appeared in the Dutse Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for stealing 105 planks of wood from his employer.

Anti-Corruption
Nigerian-born engineer Banjo Popoola convicted for multimillion-dollar contract fraud in U.S.
In March, Peoples Gazette reported Mr Popoola’s indictment for fraudulently awarding multimillion-dollar construction contracts to his sister and wife in return for kickbacks.

States
Fintiri confident of NSCDC’s capacity to maintain peace, security
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has expressed confidence in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’s capacity to maintain peace and security in Adamawa.






