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Travel Ban Tensions Soar: FG Summons Envoys Over Harsh US, UAE Visa Rules
The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tighter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, describing the move as disproportionate and urging Washington to reconsider the policy in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This development comes amid similar measures by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which recently issued new visa conditions targeting Nigerian travellers. Dubai immigration authorities announced that Nigerian nationals between the ages of 18 and 45 are now ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while applicants aged 45 and above must provide a six-month personal bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 to qualify.
Also on Wednesday, the British High Commission in Abuja released new visa application guidelines for Nigerians seeking to study or work in the United Kingdom, marking a broader tightening of immigration rules by major foreign partners.
The Nigerian government’s response followed the announcement by the US Department of State on Tuesday, which disclosed that, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and restricted to single entry. The affected categories include B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas.
Responding to the development, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed to The PUNCH that the government was closely reviewing the implications of the new US policy.
“We are assessing the new policy and its necessary implications. The government will respond soon after due consultation with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
In a formal statement issued Wednesday and signed by Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the US and called the visa changes “misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.”
“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest,” the statement read. “Such restrictions could significantly affect Nigerian students, professionals, and families pursuing legitimate activities in the United States.”
The FG warned that the policy shift could also undermine cultural and educational exchanges that have historically strengthened US-Nigeria ties.
While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to set immigration policies, Nigeria called on the US government to reconsider its decision in the interest of shared values, global cooperation, and long-term partnership.
The statement added that diplomatic channels are actively being engaged, and Nigeria remains committed to reaching a resolution that ensures fairness for its citizens.
High-Level Engagement Underway
In response to the visa policy changes, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo led a high-level delegation on Wednesday to meet with US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.
Tunji-Ojo, in a post on his official X handle, described the meeting as “constructive,” noting that discussions focused on visa reciprocity and collaborative approaches to strengthen bilateral immigration frameworks.
The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap, and other senior officials.
“The Ambassador provided useful insights into the revised protocol and its consistency with established practices aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the visa process,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He noted that the Nigerian government is implementing several measures to ensure compliance with international standards, including:
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Issuance of secure travel documents with verified identities.
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Stricter visa overstay management protocols.
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Enhanced security information sharing to protect public safety.
The US Embassy clarified that the visa changes are part of a broader global reciprocity review by the State Department and will apply only to visas issued from July 8, 2025, onward. Existing visas remain valid until their expiration.
The embassy emphasised that the revised policy aligns with international visa practices and is designed to preserve the integrity of the US immigration system.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has hailed Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, saying the Argentine’s achievements place him above every other player in the sport’s history.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Yamal made the comments on Monday, April 20, shortly after being named Best Young Athlete at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.
The teenage star expressed deep admiration for Messi while speaking about his own ambitions in football, stressing that the Argentine icon has earned worldwide respect through his remarkable career.
“Leo Messi is the best football player of all time. If he’s not the best athlete of all time, he’s certainly among them. Everyone respects him for what he’s achieved, and I hope I can follow in his footsteps,” Yamal said.
Messi, who is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest legends, has won more than 45 trophies throughout his career, including multiple league titles, continental championships, and the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
Now 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is nearing the final stages of his playing career and is expected to take part in what could be his last World Cup this summer.
Meanwhile, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has revealed his desire to end his Liverpool career on a positive note after scoring in his final Merseyside derby during a 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield.
Salah opened the scoring in the intense encounter, registering his ninth goal in the derby and equalling Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s joint-highest scorer in the fixture.
The forward, who has had a mixed season, once again delivered in a crucial moment as Liverpool continue their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Speaking after the match, Salah emphasised the importance of helping the team secure European football as he looks ahead to the end of his Anfield journey.
“I hope I will just keep scoring and help the team to achieve the Champions League this season. Hopefully, I say farewell in the right way,” Salah said.
“It feels great. The most important thing was to help the team settle down and feel more confident. We knew before the game it was going to be tricky, difficult, and I’m glad we were able to win it.”
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
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