PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations, particularly in matters related to the authentication of citizens’ identities for consular and visa-related services abroad.
The directive comes amid diplomatic tension over newly introduced visa policies by the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have impacted Nigerian travelers and residents.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu has mandated that all relevant MDAs work in close coordination to address concerns raised by the U.S. and UAE governments, and to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to constructive international cooperation.
“Relevant Nigerian Ministries, Departments and Agencies are actively engaging to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels,” Onanuga stated.
The Federal Government, Onanuga said, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining and deepening its longstanding diplomatic relations with both countries, noting that any issues raised will be resolved through proper diplomatic engagement.
The statement noted that the United States Government had formally notified Nigeria of the reasons behind its updated visa issuance policy. These include:
A high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals;
And the need for reliable access to identity and background records of applicants.
The U.S. clarified that the visa changes are part of its routine global visa reciprocity reviews, which periodically assess entry frequency, visa validity, and reciprocity conditions for foreign nationals.
In light of this, President Tinubu instructed all federal agencies to cooperate fully in efforts to improve inter-governmental verification systems, enhance the reliability of Nigeria’s identity database, and prevent misuse of travel privileges abroad.
The President also appealed to Nigerians living and working in foreign countries to respect the immigration laws of their host nations.
“President Tinubu calls on all Nigerians to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of their host countries,” Onanuga said.
Regarding the UAE’s current visa issuance trends, the Nigerian government clarified that it has not yet received formal communication about any permanent or new visa restrictions placed on Nigerian travelers.
Nonetheless, it acknowledged that UAE transit and visit visa issuance for Nigerians is currently resuming in what appears to be a “gradual and orderly manner.”
President Tinubu commended the UAE government for its continued constructive engagement and affirmed that any emerging issues are being handled with mutual respect and through diplomatic means.
“The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities,” Onanuga noted.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians at home and abroad that his administration remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens globally, and will not relent in its diplomatic efforts to secure favorable outcomes in international relations.
“His administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world,” the statement added.
The President emphasized that these efforts align with his government’s 4-D Foreign Policy strategy, which includes Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demographics as well as his broader Diaspora Engagement Plan.
Finally, the Federal Government reiterated its intention to continue fostering strong and strategic bilateral ties with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the need for collaboration, mutual respect, and sustained diplomacy in addressing shared global concerns.