National
FG directs implementation of 5-year visa reciprocity policy between Nigeria, U.S.
FG directs implementation of 5-year visa reciprocity policy between Nigeria, U.S.
The Federal Government has directed the full implementation of a new visa reciprocity policy for citizens of the U.S. with effect from March 1.
This is contained in a statement by the Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior, Mr Sola Fasure, in Abuja on Friday.
According to Fasure, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, gave the directive following the approval for the implementation of the new Bilateral Consular Policy Agreements between both countries.
The adviser said that the agreements, among others, include: The reciprocity of five-year tourist visa validity for U.S. citizens pursuant to Section 30 of the Immigration Act, 2015.
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Others are Extension of visa validity to three years for Diplomats and government officials between the citizens of both countries.
Consequently, the minister directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to commence the implementation of the policy from March 1.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the new Nigeria Visa Policy (NPV) in 2020, which amongst other things, promoted tourism.
According to him, Tourist Visa falls under the Short Visit Visa (F5A) category.
This, he said, was a policy in line with the President’s desire to boost cultural exchange and business between both nations.
He added that as part of the agreement, the U.S. would implement a similar policy for Nigerians wishing to travel on Tourist Visas to the U.S., and for diplomats and officials visiting the country.
Fasure said that the U.S., as part of the agreement, would extend Tourist Visa Validity for Nigerian citizens to five years.
The minister also enjoined all registered voters in Nigeria to come out on the election day to exercise their franchise.
He also promised a safe and secure environment before, during and after the general elections.
Aregbesola said that while exercising their civil democratic right for the elections, it was important that all hands be on deck to make the exercise peaceful, safe and successful.
“Internal movements have been restricted to the polling units. There will also be no movement of persons across national borders.
“Law enforcement agencies are required to use all means necessary in providing security for lives and property at the polling units, in the streets and at the borders.
“Every threat must be contained and assurances must be given for lives and property and for the success of the elections.”
He also assured that the federal government has put in place all necessary measures to ensure the security of lives and property and the success of the elections.
The minster further enjoined Nigerians to be calm and peaceful in their conduct, quietly cast their votes and shun any act capable of putting the nation’s democratic festival in jeopardy.
He also admonished 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 a very peaceful and successful election.
FG directs implementation of 5-year visa reciprocity policy between Nigeria, U.S.
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to seek official permission before using the national anthem to prevent potential misinterpretation. This directive was issued by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement released on Wednesday, October 8.
While the specific contexts in which permission is required were not detailed, the NOA emphasized its role as the custodian of national symbols, tasked with preventing misuse. “Permission must be sought from the Agency before using the National Anthem to avoid misrepresentation,” the statement noted.
Issa-Onilu also clarified the proper design of the Nigerian flag, stating that the correct shade of green is Emerald 2.0. He highlighted that past administrations had focused predominantly on infrastructure, neglecting value orientation, which led to the decline of institutions like the Boys’ Scouts, Girls’ Brigade, and the WAI Brigade.
The current administration, however, is committed to reversing this trend, with President Tinubu offering support to the NOA. Issa-Onilu further urged the production of local cartoon content to counter foreign influences affecting young Nigerians.
…Minister of Interior Calls for Unity and Reflection on Nation’s Journey
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who conveyed the government’s message to Nigerians both at home and abroad, congratulating them on this significant occasion.
Tunji-Ojo praised the resilience and hard work of Nigerian citizens, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not be in vain. In line with the theme for the anniversary, he urged Nigerians to reflect on the contributions of the nation’s past heroes and to be inspired for the challenges ahead, emphasizing that a united effort is crucial in building the Nigeria of our dreams.
The Minister extended his best wishes to all citizens for a Happy Independence Day and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their efforts toward nation-building.
National
APC Chairman Ganduje Condoles Families of 5 Fallen Police Officers, Offers Financial Support
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has extended his condolences to the families of five police officers who tragically lost their lives in a motor accident while returning from Edo State.
Speaking at the Bichi Central Mosque, where prayers were offered for the deceased officers, Ganduje described the incident as a significant loss for the Nigeria Police Force, himself, and the nation as a whole.
To support the bereaved families, Ganduje announced a donation of N2 million to each of the five families of the deceased officers and N1 million to ten officers who were injured in the accident.
“I decided to personally come down to Bichi because of the gravity of the situation, and because these officers died in active service,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the officers’ dedication to their duty.
In addition, Rep. Kabir Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, also expressed his condolences to the families, offering prayers and support during this difficult time.
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