Nigeria threatens to retaliate against countries who delay visas to it citizens

The government of Nigeria on Monday warned that it will no longer tolerate the delay in issuance of visa to its citizens from any country, adding that it was ready to retaliate against any country who continues with the practice. 

The warning was made by the Minister of Interior,Abdulrahman Dambazau at a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja on Monday to resolve some of the issues militating against visa issuance.

The meeting also had in attendance, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mohammed Babandede.

According to Dambazau, the delay in the issue of visa to Nigerians was becoming an embarrassment and must be resolved.

It is embarrassing that one will want visa and will have unnecessary delay from the issuance countries, he said.

We as a country needs to take our stand; we should deal with any country the way they deal with us on visa issuance.

They should not think that we need them more than they need us,” he said.

Mr. Babandede, also corroborated Minister of Interior’s stand on the issue.

What we are saying is that we as a country, we would also like to retaliate.

Anybody who delays visa for our nationals, we would also do the same as a country because we have a pride as a nation.

What do you think of this development?
Right step in the right direction?