President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, February 1, established a committee to look into the immigrant visa ban on Nigeria by United States’ Government.
This was contained in a statement by the presidency on its official Twitter pager, stating that the committee is chaired by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
The presidency’s reaction to the development read: “On January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Homeland Security announced temporary travel restrictions on six 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 February 21, 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 US 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 US.
“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 Honourable Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements.”
SUSPENSION OF ISSUANCE OF IMMIGRANT VISAS TO NIGERIANS:
Pres. @MBuhari has established a committee, to be Chaired by the Minister of Interior, to study & address updated U.S. requirements relating to the assessment of compliance with certain security criteria by foreign govts.
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) February 1, 2020