According to findings, it was seen that With utmost effect from March 1, 2023, the Federal Government has mandated the complete implementation of a new visa reciprocity policy for citizens of the United States of America.
The revised Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the two governments, according to Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, have been approved for execution.
The new Nigeria Visa Policy was introduced by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired), in 2020. The initiative, he continued, also aims to increase trade, cultural exchange, and tourism between the two countries.
One of the ministers said that the agreements should include, among others, the reciprocity of a five-year tourist visa validity for American citizens under Section 30 of the Immigration Act of 2015; an extension of the visa validity to three years for diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America; and more.
However, in conjunction with the minister’s media adviser, Sola Fasure, said in a statement on Friday.
He added that the Nigeria Immigration Service, or NIS, had received instructions from the interior minister to begin implementing the policy on March 1, 2023.
Also, by the bilateral agreement, the United States of America would enact a similar policy for Nigerians who seek to visit the United States on a tourist visa as well as for our diplomats and officials who are in the nation.
Moreover, the United States of America would increase the length of a Nigerian citizen’s tourist visa to five years, according to the statement.
Nevertheless, it was declared that there had been restrictions on crossing international borders during the elections.
Although, there has been an internal movement that has been limited to the polling places. Moreover, no people will cross international borders. This means that for as many planning to move out of the country during the election period will have to exercise full patience to participate in the fourth coming election.
Law enforcement organizations must take all necessary precautions to protect people and property at voting places, on the streets, and at border crossings. This law has been fully effective since it has been said according to findings from a few citizens of the country.
Every threat must be neutralized, and protections for people, property and the outcome of the elections must be provided.
In conclusion, all Nigerians are thereby employed to exercise caution and alert the local security agency or online via the N-Alert application if they see any suspicious people or activity trying to sabotage the forthcoming election.
Source: Punch
