. Set to Interface with US Homeland Security, Interpol
By Hamilton Nwosa (Head The New Diplomat, Business and Data Desk)
The Presidency has reacted to the immigrant visa ban slammed on Nigeria by United States as unveiled by President Donald Trump on Friday. 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.
Read also: Trump Wields The Big Stick, Bans Relocation From Nigeria, 3 Others
Recall that 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.
The Presidency in a statement signed by Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina said Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari has set up a committee headed by Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola to study and address the updated U.S. requirements. He said: The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.
The minister reportedly swung into action since the directive was issued by Buhari. It is however not clear how the committee intends to go about its tasks. Given the various perspectives and dimensions that are involved in the immigrant visa ban, the inter-ministerial team would have much work to do.
