The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its strong commitment to maintaining and improving the long-standing and friendly diplomatic relationships with the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite the recent visa policy changes that have affected Nigerian travelers.
This was made known in Abuja on Tuesday, by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy. He said that the attention of the Federal Government had been drawn to the latest decisions by the US and UAE governments regarding visa issuance to Nigerians.
Mr. Onanuga explained that the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies of the Nigerian government are already working behind the scenes to engage with both the US and UAE through proper diplomatic channels. He said these efforts are ongoing to resolve any issues and protect the rights of Nigerian citizens.
According to him, the United States government officially informed Nigeria that its decision to adjust visa issuance policies was based on two major reasons. The first is the current high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals. The second is the need for better access to reliable data concerning visa applicants and those living in the US.
The US clarified that its new visa policy is not aimed at targeting Nigeria alone but is part of a wider global visa reciprocity process. This process includes regular reviews and possible changes to the number of entries allowed for visa holders and how long those visas remain valid.
Following the development, President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal agencies involved in identity management and immigration matters to strengthen cooperation with foreign governments. He said they must make sure that Nigeria fully complies with its international responsibilities, especially when it comes to verifying the identities of Nigerians abroad.
President Tinubu also appealed to Nigerians living in other countries to respect the immigration laws of their host nations. He advised that they must not abuse the privileges given to them and should always protect their integrity and that of the country.
While commenting on the new transit visa conditions reportedly introduced by the UAE for Nigerians, Mr. Onanuga said the Federal Government of Nigeria has not received any official communication from UAE authorities confirming that any formal policy changes have been made.
However, he acknowledged that there have been signs of gradual and systematic progress in the issuance of visas to Nigerians by the UAE in recent weeks. He said this was a positive indication that both countries are continuing to work together diplomatically.
Mr. Onanuga added that President Tinubu appreciates the cooperation of the UAE government and confirmed that Nigerian officials remain in active contact with them. He assured that any issues raised will be addressed respectfully and constructively.
The President also gave assurance that his administration remains committed to the welfare of Nigerians living abroad. He said the goal of the government is to ensure that Nigerians can travel, live, and work with dignity in any part of the world, without facing discrimination or unnecessary obstacles.
The Tinubu administration’s foreign affairs strategy, known as the 4-D Foreign Policy Agenda, focuses on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. The President reaffirmed that his government is pursuing these principles actively and that Nigeria’s foreign partners are important to achieving national goals.
Mr. Onanuga also mentioned that Nigeria would continue to value its strong bilateral ties with both the US and UAE, and would not allow any temporary disagreement to affect the long-term cooperation that has benefited citizens of both sides over the years.
He concluded by saying that Nigeria remains open to dialogue and will always use proper diplomatic platforms to solve any issue involving its people, especially when the rights and freedom of Nigerians abroad are involved.
