In a move to safeguard the mobility rights of Nigerian citizens, President Bola Tinubu has ordered federal agencies to strengthen identity authentication processes for Nigerians seeking visas and consular services overseas.
This directive comes in the wake of recent changes to visa rules by both the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have introduced tighter entry requirements for Nigerian applicants.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga revealed on Tuesday that the President is prioritising a coordinated government response to improve trust and cooperation with foreign governments. Core ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Communications, have been mandated to develop a unified verification portal to help embassies confirm Nigerian applicants’ identities in real time.
While the Nigerian government refrained from criticising the policy shifts by the US and UAE, it emphasised diplomatic engagement as the preferred path to resolution. Tinubu also urged Nigerians abroad to comply fully with the immigration laws of their host countries.
The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can live and travel abroad with dignity, in line with the administration’s foreign policy vision.
