Tinubu instructed all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate closely to ensure Nigeria fully meets its international obligations. 

President Bola Tinubu has ordered relevant federal agencies to swiftly tackle issues raised by the United States and the United Arab Emirates over recent changes to their visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens.

The directive was announced in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the U.S. government formally informed Nigeria that its decision to review visa privileges for Nigerian passport holders stemmed from two primary concerns: the rising number of visa overstays by Nigerians and difficulties in accessing reliable applicant records.

Washington clarified that the adjustments were part of its global visa reciprocity framework, which undergoes routine reviews and may result in changes to entry limits and visa validity periods.

In response, President Tinubu instructed all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate closely to ensure Nigeria fully meets its international obligations. 

He specifically tasked the agencies with strengthening intergovernmental cooperation and improving systems to authenticate the identities of Nigerians seeking consular services abroad.

“The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions,” the statement read.

Regarding the UAE, the Federal Government disclosed that it had not received any formal communication from Abu Dhabi authorities indicating a change in visa policy. Nonetheless, it noted that visa issuance was proceeding “in a gradual and orderly manner.”

Despite the lack of official notification, President Tinubu welcomed ongoing constructive engagement with the UAE government, adding that any genuine concerns raised through diplomatic channels were being addressed by Nigerian authorities.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to maintaining and strengthening the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations” with both nations. It assured citizens that Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Tinubu administration remains focused on enabling Nigerians to “travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world.”

President Tinubu’s position aligns with his administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda, which emphasises Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora engagement.

As diplomatic engagements continue, the government pledged to enhance international cooperation, data-sharing mechanisms, and transparency in visa processes to prevent future bottlenecks for Nigerians abroad.

The statement further reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment that no effort would be spared to protect the interests of Nigerians globally and to promote mutual respect in all bilateral relations.