• Assures all of peaceful and successful election
The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the full implementation of a new visa reciprocity policy for citizens of the United States of America with effect from 1st March 2023.
In a statement by his Media Adviser, Sola Fasure, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, gave the directive following the approval of the implementation of the new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between the governments of Nigeria and the United States of America.
The agreements among others include the reciprocity of five years tourist visa validity for American citizens pursuant to Section 30 of the Immigration Act, 2015 and extension of visa validity to three years for Diplomats and government officials between the citizens of Nigeria and the United States of America.
The Minister of Interior also directed the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to start the implementation of the policy from 1st March 2023.
“Nigerians will recall that President Muhammadu Buhari launched the new Nigeria Visa Policy (NPV) in 2020, which, among other things, promote tourism.
“Tourist Visa falls under the Short Visit Visa (F5A) category. This policy is in line with Mr. President’s desire to boost cultural exchange and business between both nations.
“As part of the Bilateral Agreement, the United States of America will implement a similar policy for Nigerians wishing to travel on Tourist Visas to the United States and for our diplomats and officials visiting the country.
“The United States will thus extend Tourist Visa Validity for Nigerian citizens to five years,” the statement read.
The Minister also enjoined all registered voters in Nigeria to come out on 25th Saturday, February, 2023, to exercise their franchise, promising a safe and secure environment before, during, and after the elections.
He noted that in exercising their civic democratic right for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, it is important that all hands should be on deck to make the exercise peaceful, safe, and successful.
He said internal movements had been restricted to the polling units as there would also be no movement of persons across national borders.
He said law enforcement agencies were required to use all means necessary in providing security for life and property at the polling units, in the streets, and at the borders.
“Every threat must be contained, and assurances must be given for life and property and for the success of the elections.”
Aregbesola said the federal government had put in place all necessary measures to ensure the security of life and property and the success of the elections.
He enjoined Nigerians to be calm and peaceful in their conduct, quietly cast their votes, and shun any act capable of putting this democratic festival in jeopardy.
The Minister also advised Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency or on the N-Alert application online.
He wished all Nigerians very peaceful and successful elections.
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