Categories: Latest News

Why US may lift visa ban on Nigeria in one month – Onyeama

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has given indications that the United States Government may lift its visa ban on Nigeria in about a month’s time.

Onyeama made the disclosure on the sidelines of the 5th Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Washington DC, United States.

Nigeria, Eritrea, Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan, including Sudan and Tanzania, were countries that the United States slammed with visa ban last week on account of performance metrics for identity-management and information-sharing criteria.

The United States was piqued that there was a lack of a credible background investigation system that security groups like Interpol can rely on in vetting and certifying the origin of prospective immigrants to the United States from the affected countries.

Following the ban, President Muhammadu Buhari immediately set up a committee to look into the issues that led to the issuance of the ban on immigrant visas to Nigerians.

In line with the presidential directive, Onyeama said that the Nigerian Government has taken serious steps to address issues raised by the United States in issuing the visa restrictions.

Onyeama stated that after productive deliberations on the visa ban, the United States Government assured Nigeria that it was possible to lift the ban if the Federal Government resolved the issues in one month.

He added that the United States was apprehensive over variations of the Nigerian data system and third party involvement in the management of the passport system, particularly information and data on lost and stolen passports.

Ben Idah

Recent Posts

BREAKING: Tinubu govt bows to pressure, drops treason charges against EndBadGovernance protesters

The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against individuals charged in connection with…

1 hour ago

Benue: ‘I’m not behind Ukpute-Bonta crisis’ – Rep David Ogewu

The member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Army,…

1 hour ago

Tension as new terrorist group ‘LAKURAWAS’ emerges in Nigeria

The Sokoto State Government has raised alarms about the emergence of a new terrorist group…

2 hours ago

Ujah: Ministry of Education breaks silence on suspension of FUHSO VC, issues fresh order

The Federal Ministry of Education has formally addressed the suspension of Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah…

3 hours ago

‘Herdsmen after our women’ – Idoma community raises alarm

Residents of Ukwonyo community in the Ufia axis of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State,…

3 hours ago

FUHSO: Why we suspended Prof Ujah as Otukpo varsity Vice Chancellor – Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, has explained why it…

3 hours ago