–Says it is committed to maintaining productive relations with the US
Jerry Johnny
The Federal Government says the travel restriction announced by the United States Department of Homeland Security on Nigeria is temporary and is only a suspension of the issuance of immigrant visas to Nigerian passport holders.
The Special Adviser to the Nigeria President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina disclosed this on Saturday, 1st February, 2020.
According to him, the restriction does not apply to other US visas like those for studies (student), official, tourism and business travel.
Adesina also disclosed that the suspension will be taking effect on the 21st of February this year; that it is as a result of review and update of performance metrics (methodology) adopted by the the US Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments.
According to him, “Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security.”
He also added that “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.”