THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it is investigating the cancellation of visas of all the 264 passengers, who were airlifted to Jeddah from Lagos and Kano on Sunday, by the Saudi Arabian Authorities.
News Point Nigeria reported that there was panic and shock when the Saudi Arabian Authorities cancelled the visa of all the 264 passengers airlifted to Jeddah from Lagos and Kano on Sunday.
The authorities insisted that the airline should return the passengers back to Nigeria.
The flight took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos via the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Sunday night and landed at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
But to the consternation of the airline staff, the Saudi Arabian authorities announced that all the passengers’ visas had been cancelled.
This was despite the fact that the passengers went through the Advanced Passengers Information System (APIS) during the check-in formalities in Nigeria which was also monitored by the Saudi authorities.
But according to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant, Media and Communication Strategy, Alkassim Abdulkadir, Monday, the Ministry will ensure such actions that impact the welfare of Nigerian citizens are mitigated in the future in line with the four Ds strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
See full statement below:
Press Release
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating the matter to see if any consular or aviation rules have been flouted.
The Ministry will ensure such actions that impact the welfare of Nigerian citizens are mitigated in the future in line with the four Ds strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nigeria has just participated in the Saudi-Africa Summit were bilateral discussions covering several sectors of the economy and mutually beneficial commitments were made.
Alkasim Abdulkadir
SA Media and Communications Strategy
To The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs.
13th November, 2023