U.S travel ban: FG sets up committee to study, address updated U.S. requirements in collaboration with INTERPOL
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday set up a committee to “study and address” the recent US visa ban on Nigerians.
The committee will be chaired by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
This was contained in a statement released by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina.
According to him, the federal government of Nigeria remains “committed” to its relationship with the Americans.
“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 21st February 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 U.S 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 U.S”.
He added that 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 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.
Recall that on Friday, the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary travel restrictions on six countries, including Nigeria.