The Federal Government has declared that it remains committed to productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security.
This position was taken despite the suspension of immigration visa to Nigerians.
The suspension was announced by the United States government on Friday.
Apart from Nigeria, other countries affected by the ban are Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar.
The Nigerian government hinged its position to remain committed to “productive relations with the United States” despite the suspension on the explanation that the step followed a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments.”
The government said President Muhammadu Buhari had established a committee, to be chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements.
The committee, the government said, would work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates were properly implemented.
The statement issued by the government and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina reads:
UNITED STATES SUSPENSION OF THE ISSUANCE OF IMMIGRANT VISAS TO NIGERIANS
On 31st January 2020, the United States (U.S) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced temporary travel restrictions on six (6) countries including Nigeria.
For Nigeria, the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only. This suspension shall come into effect on 21st February 2020. The suspension does not apply to other U.S visas such as those for official, business, tourism and student travel.
The DHS states the suspension of “immigrant visas” became necessary following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments. This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.
Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security. Accordingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has established a committee, to be chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements. The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.
