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Fuel Scarcity Looms As Depots Increase Petrol Price To N720 Per Litre

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A fuel shortage is emerging in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, prompted by private depot owners increasing the wholesale price of petrol from N630 to N720 per liter.

This development comes as fuel scarcity worsens in Abuja and surrounding states, with some gas stations selling petrol as high as N900 per liter.

According to The Punch, many gas stations in Lagos, Ogun, and other states have depleted their fuel stocks, refusing to purchase fuel from private depots at inflated prices.

Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, stated in an interview that numerous gas stations were closed due to empty tanks, urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the sole petrol importer, to provide explanations for the shortage.

“Those that shut their stations do not have fuel to sell. When you don’t have fuel, you cannot open your station. That is the problem. You know the NNPC is the sole importer of this product. I think it is in the best position to tell us what is actually going on.

“Currently, independent marketers cannot buy what the private depots are selling. They are selling fuel between N715 and N720 per litre. How much will marketers sell the product? Look at the cost of bringing it to their depots; with transportation and other depot expenses, it will be too costly for them. That is why the stations are shut down. Some marketers refuse to go and buy because they know the masses cannot afford high-priced petrol in this economy. That is the situation for now,” the IPMAN leader stated.

It was gathered that the third parties, who are private depot owners, used to sell PMS to independent marketers at the rate of N630-650/litre before now, while the NNPC sells petrol to major marketers at a price below or around N600.

On many occasions, leaders of IPMAN have appealed to the NNPC to supply them with petrol directly like they do to major marketers, but the NNPC has yet to yield to that call.

Fashola appealed to Nigerians to avoid panic buying, saying they should buy what they need so that the fuel in circulation could go round.

It was gathered that the major marketers sold petrol below N650 while the independent marketers sold between N750/litre and N800/litre.

Multiple officials confirmed to one of our correspondents that officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stormed the various depots in Apapa on Friday, mandating depot owners to prioritise fuel supply to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where the fuel queues were initially noticed on Friday.

Abuja prioritised

On Saturday and Sunday, many trucks were reportedly directed to Abuja to reduce the queues in the FCT, leaving Lagos and other places with little supply.

One of the officials disclosed that the NNPC was rationing PMS to depots due to the fuel supply gap.

This is coming barely three days after a report by Reuters claimed that Nigeria’s debt to suppliers of Premium Motor Spirit had surpassed $6bn, doubling what it was since early April, as the NNPC struggled to cover the gap between fixed pump prices and international fuel costs.

Although this was denied by the NNPC, the Reuters report stated that the national oil company began struggling early this year when late PMS payments surpassed $3bn.

The company, it said, had yet to pay for some January imports which traders put between $4bn and $5bn.

“The only reason traders are putting up with it is the $250,000 a month (per cargo) for late payment compensation,” one industry source said.

At least two suppliers were said to have stopped participating in recent tenders after hitting self-imposed debt exposure limits to Nigeria, meaning they will not send more PMS until they receive payments.

It was reported that Nigeria’s tenders to buy gasoline in June and July were smaller, traders told Reuters. NNPC will import via tender about 850,000 tonnes in July, according to the Reuters report quoting sources, down from the typical one million tonnes in previous months.

Meanwhile, findings show some marketers have refused to supply petrol to independent marketers, who own the larger percentage of the filling stations in Nigeria. This, it was gathered, was because the depots/marketers were getting limited supplies from the NNPC.

“Currently, we focus on our filling stations. We get less than 50 per cent of what we usually get from the NNPC now. So, we make sure we feed our stations first before we consider selling to independent marketers. That is why most of them are out of stock. You know they don’t have access to the NNPC and the little we get is not even enough for our stations,” one of the depot operators said on condition of anonymity because was not authorised to speak on the matter.

The operator mentioned that the few depots selling to IPMAN members sell at higher prices as demand overshoots supply.

Queues were returning to Lagos as of Sunday, creating fears among residents, who have yet to forget the fuel scarcity that almost grounded the economy in May.

It was observed in some fuel stations across the state, that some fuel stations had adjusted the prices of PMS upward.

Fresh queues for the product surfaced in Abuja, parts of Niger and Nasarawa states on Friday, following the closure of many filling stations operated by independent marketers.

Dealers closed their retail outlets due to their inability to access petrol as a result of the hike in the ex-depot price of the commodity to N710/litre by private depot owners.

Motorists besieged the few stations that dispensed petrol on Friday; particularly those operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and some major oil marketers in Abuja and neighbouring states.

It was noted that the situation was extending to Lagos. Out of about 10 fuel stations along the Ikotun to Egbeda axis, only about two stations were dispensing at the time of filing this report.

At Ikotun, one of the outlets belonging to the NNPC that was selling for N568 per litre had long queues while others were not dispensing. At the Igando-Ikotun axis, only an outlet belonging to Petrocam sold at N820 per litre.

Long queues

It was also observed that an outlet belonging to TotalEnergies along Mushin Road, in Isolo, sold fuel at N615 per litre with a long queue of waiting buyers.

Meanwhile, a Technoil filling station at Isolo Bustop was not selling fuel at the time of filing this report. Also, the NNPC filling station on the same axis that sold for N568 per litre was crowded with cars.

It was further observed that there were no fuel attendants at an AP filling located along Okota Road, as the outlet was closed at the time of filing this report.

Al Morouf filling located along Ilasa Road only sold to a few customers.

A motorist who simply gave his name as Mr Emmanuel Anyebe, said, “They said they have removed fuel subsidy and by that, we assumed that what happened in the telecommunication industry would happen to the oil and gas sector, but it didn’t. It is not as if there is scarcity, there is no scarcity anywhere. I asked at the fuel station why the queue all they could say was that they had not been able to get the product. He said that about six tankers they ordered in the last two weeks were only able to get one tanker delivered to their station. This is just unnecessary suffering that is how I see it, they suffer people and waste people’s time unnecessarily.”

It was gathered that the AP Fuel Station at Ilasamaja experienced intermittent fuel sales on Sunday.

The station sold fuel in the morning but stopped operations in the afternoon, resuming sales later in the evening. Customers willing to pay a premium could purchase five litres of fuel at a rate of N4,000.

“We sold at N615 per litre today but we have stopped for now. However, if you are desperate, we can sell to you at a higher rate,” a customer attendant at the AP Fuel Station revealed.

Meanwhile, the General Fuel Station in Sadiku had no fuel available when visited by our correspondent, exacerbating the fuel scarcity crisis in Lagos.

A motorist simply identified as Segun in Nepal, Akowonjo, Lagos State, told our correspondent that he purchased fuel at the rate of N650, adding that the queue was becoming unbearable.

“I paid N650 per litre, and it is annoying because I have been buying it like this for the longest time, and I think the government needs to do something about it, but then again, we have no choice.

A commercial driver, Timothy stated that he purchased fuel at Petrocam in Ikeja for N670.

He said, “Things keep increasing, the dollar is high, and all these producers are storing the fuel somewhere. They even mentioned that the prices might be higher.”

In Ogun State, checks by our correspondent revealed that petrol was sold between N700 to N800 amid long queues.

It was gathered from a resident, Emmanuel Ogbonna, that Ebefem fuel station in Abeokuta dispensed petrol at the rate of N720.

Emmanuel decried the difficulties experienced in getting petrol as there seems to be a return of fuel scarcity.

Emmanuel said, “I bought fuel at N720 in Ebefem filling station. There was no queue at the time I visited the station but major fuel stations like NNPC were not dispensing fuel when I visited yesterday (Saturday) evening. It seems petrol is scarce.”

A fashion designer in Abeokuta who identified himself as Ibrahim told our correspondent that he purchased the product at the rate of N750 at a private fuel station.

“My apprentice got the fuel at N750 at Oyinkansola. This is affecting my business.”

Further checks in the Oloka area of Imeko-Afon revealed that petrol was dispensed at N850 per litre.

A resident, Ade Akinola, told our correspondent that petrol was dispensed at the rate of N850. He blamed the Federal Government’s decision to ban the supply of petroleum products within 20 kilometres of the nation’s borders.

Akinola said, “Over the years, petroleum products have been expensive in border communities because of the 20km ban on the supply of crude to the nation’s border.

“As of today (Sunday), the last filling station permitted to dispense petroleum products sells fuel at N850. In places like Ilara which is the border town, petrol sells for N1,500 per litre. This is making life tough for residents of border communities.”

Ado-Ekiti stations

Report has it that many of the petrol stations in Ekiti State, particularly in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, have not been dispensing fuel to customers in the past few days.

At the few stations where the product is sold, there are long queues of vehicles especially where the price per litre is a bit low.

On Saturday and Sunday, the filling stations sold for between N650 and N760 per litre.

A motorist, Olaniyi Olaogun, said, “We have been in this fuel situation for some days now and nobody is ready to give an explanation. I bought fuel on Saturday at N650 per litre at a filling station in the Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti. The queue there was unbelievable at that amount.

“It is only NNPC that sells at N580 per litre, others are above N600 per litre. I know NNPC along Iworoko Road sold at N580 per litre on Friday,” he said.

Another car owner, Mrs Lydia Igbala, said she bought fuel at N750 per litre and N760 per litre at different locations in the state capital on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

In Kwara, it was gathered that there was availability of PMS in Ilorin, on Sunday as most of the stations were selling fuel to motorists. However, the prices ranged from N600 to N750 per litre in most of the petrol outlets.

The AP filling station at Murtala Mohammed Road, a major commercial area in Ilorin, dispensed fuel at N620 per litre while MJK in the same area sold at N750. The MRS located on Unity Road sold at N600 per litre while Abanik at Sawmill sold at N660.

Shafa station sold at N700 per litre; Rain Oil at Asa Dam road and Lao area respectively were selling at N720 per litre; Tigress at Odota sold at N750 per litre, while Bovas sold at N670 per litre in all its stations located in various parts of the metropolis.

However,  the price of diesel at stations that have supply ranged from N1,450 to N1,700 per litre while kerosene was sold at N1,650 per litre.

In Benin, Edo State, independent marketers sold PMS between N700 and N730 per litre, while the major marketers sold between N660 and N680.

Report has it that the prices were higher in Edo North with a litre going for between N730 and N900 by the Independent marketers who are mostly in that area. In Edo Central, a litre sold for between N750 and N850 on Sunday.

The NNPCL fuel station sold PMS at N591 per litre, but motorists had to queue for long hours to buy the product.

It was learnt that the NNPC filling stations in Rivers State were selling fuel for N591. However, others sold between N750 and N760 as of Sunday.

Sokoto

Long queues of motorists resurfaced at the mega station of the NNPC in Sokoto State as fuel scarcity hit the state. Our correspondent who monitored the development gathered that only the NNPC station sold the product at N620 naira per litre.

Other fuel stations that sold fuel between N720 and N750 before now sell between N850 and N900, depending on the filling stations.

In Kaduna, fuel is sold between N720 and N800 along the Sabon-Tasha expressway by Command Junction, in the southern part of the state.

At the NNPC Mega stations along Stadium Roundabout and Aliyu Makama Road by Living Faith Church, Barnawa, fuel was being sold at N620 per litre but with a long queue.

At the black-market rate, motorists buy a gallon of petrol at N4,000 and N4,500 depending on the locations within the Kaduna metropolis and its environs.

NNPC spokesperson did not immediately respond to calls and messages seeking reaction on the developments on Sunday

Abuja scarcity lingers

Meanwhile, some filling stations in locations far from the city centre of the FCT dispensed Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, at N900/litre on Sunday, as the scarcity of the commodity lingered in Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa and Niger states.

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Hundreds of motorists besieged the outlets operated by big dealers such as Nipco, Salbas, and Conoil, among others, to get the product at between N660/litre to N690/litre, whereas smaller stations operated by independent marketers sold the product at higher rates.

One of the remote stations along the Kubwa Village market road dispensed its product at N900/litre and had fewer queues compared to those at the few outlets of major dealers that sold petrol on Sunday.

Attendants at the Kubwa facility confirmed the position that was earlier stated by the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, that the ex-depot price of petrol had been increased to N710/litre at depots.

“The price of petrol at depots is now more than N710/litre. You have to pay for transportation to bring it from Lagos, Port Harcourt or Warri to Abuja, That cost has to be factored in. There are other operational costs to include too.

“When you add all this, there is no way you will sell at even N800/litre and be able to get a sensible margin. This applies mainly to independent marketers who operate smaller stations.

“For the major marketers, some of them have their private depots, so they can afford to sell at lower prices,” an attendant who simply identified himself as Austin, stated.

The IPMAN president had earlier told our correspondent that some dealers closed their retail outlets due to their inability to access petrol as a result of the hike in the ex-depot price of the commodity to N710/litre by private depot owners.

He said private depot owners had raised the ex-depot price of PMS to N710/litre, whereas the pump price of the commodity at NNPC retail stations was N617/litre.

Maigandi said, “The current situation is a result of the way private depot owners have been selling their products. It has been very difficult for independent petroleum marketers to get the product and sell it in Abuja and neighbouring states, as well as in other states in the North.

“So the queues you are seeing now are because of the cost of PMS by private depots. The private depots are selling at N710/litre, but if you check the price of the same product at NNPC retail outlets, it is N617/litre.

“Therefore, by the time we independent marketers buy from private depots and bring it to our filling stations, we will not be able to sell our product because our cost price is already so high, while the cost at NNPC retail outlets is far lower.

“And you know that when we buy it at the rate of N710/litre we have to add transportation cost again because there is no equalisation. And when we add the cost of transportation, the pump price is going to be higher than the N710/litre ex-depot price, whereas NNPC stations sell at N617/litre.”

Maigandi explained that because of the widespread number of stations operated by IPMAN, any distortion in the supply of products to members of the group would eventually lead to fuel queues because major marketers and NNPC stations are fewer in number.

On whether IPMAN members cannot get direct PMS supply from NNPC, instead of buying the product from private depots, he replied, “That is what we have been negotiating with them (NNPC), and they promised us that they will start giving us our allocation.

“They have started but the quantity is small compared to the number of retail outlets operated by IPMAN nationwide. We are getting products from NNPC, but the volume is too small for our members.

“So we are requesting additional volumes because in Abuja alone we have over 250 retail outlets belonging to IPMAN members. This is just for Abuja, we’ve not talked about Niger, Kaduna, and other states in the North, not to talk of the number nationwide.”

Maigandi, however, stated that the queues for petrol were not pronounced in remote villages, adding that “when you go to the villages you will see that there are no queues.”

 

Credit: The Punch

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Senate Replaces Natasha Akpoti With Aniekan Bassey As Diaspora Committee Chair

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Senate Sacks Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Diaspora Committee Chairman, Replaces Her with Akwa Ibom Senator

The Senate, on Thursday, removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position as Chair of the Committee on Diaspora, naming Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, as her replacement.

The announcement was made during plenary without any official explanation for the change. Senator Bassey is expected to take over the responsibilities immediately. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was appointed Chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on “February 4, 2025”, after being removed as Chair of the Committee on Local Content. This latest move represents another minor reshuffle in the Senate committee leadership.

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Tunji-Ojo Meets US Envoy Over New Visa Policy, Says FG Will Curb Overstay By Nigerians

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Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, held a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja with Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria.

Also present at the meeting were Kemi Nanna Nandap, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary in the ministry of interior.

In a statement, Tunji-Ojo noted that the “constructive meeting” addressed the recently implemented visa procedures introduced by the US government for Nigerian citizens.

The minister stated that the US ambassador shared “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process”.

According to the statement, “The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country.”

It further mentioned that the Ministry of Interior, NIS, and the US Mission in Nigeria have agreed to deepen cooperation, focusing on compliance with visa rules and encouraging responsible travel behaviour among Nigerians.

The minister added, “Our government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.”

Other focus areas highlighted include “Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas” and “Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the US embassy in Nigeria had announced significant modifications to its visa policy for Nigerians, reducing the validity and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas.

The embassy explained that most of the revised visas will now allow single entry and be valid for only three months.

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Diplomatic Tensions: Federal Government Pushes Back As US, UAE Tighten Visa Rules

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The Federal Government has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tighter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, describing the move as disproportionate and calling for “reconsideration in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.”

This development follows the United Arab Emirates’ introduction of stricter entry requirements for Nigerian travellers, which includes a complete ban on transit visa applications.

According to updated directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while those aged 45 and above must provide a six-month personal bank statement with a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 before being considered for a visa.

On Wednesday, the British High Commission in Abuja also announced changes to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.

The US Department of State in Abuja announced on Tuesday that, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and limited to a single entry. This announcement prompted the FG’s response.

The US Government’s revised visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria limits the validity of specific non-immigrant visa categories—including “B1/B2” (business and tourism), “F” (student), and “J” (exchange visitor)—to three months and restricts them to a single entry.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed to The PUNCH that the government is examining the new directive and its possible effects.

“We are assessing the new policy and its necessary implications. The government will respond soon, after due consultation with relevant stakeholders,” Ebienfa said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by Ebienfa, the FG said it viewed the new policy with “concern and keen interest,” particularly in light of the historically cordial relations between the two nations.

“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.

“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” Ebienfa said.

According to the statement, the policy change would have a broad impact on Nigerians, affecting students seeking education in the US, professionals involved in legitimate business, and families visiting loved ones.

The government emphasised that the restriction could hamper cultural and educational exchanges that have long been a foundation of US-Nigeria relations.

“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.

“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.

The ministry also confirmed that diplomatic engagements are underway, adding that Nigeria remains committed to seeking a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

FG, US meet

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led an FG delegation that held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., on Wednesday as the FG moved to resolve the issue.

He stated on her X handle, “I held a constructive meeting with the US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today (Wednesday), to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.

The meeting, attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.

“The discussions centred on visa reciprocity, with Ambassador Mills Jr. providing valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.

“The Ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance application process for foreign travellers into the country.”

He added, “The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.

Our government under the leadership of President @officialABAT Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across board in key areas including: 1. Secure travel documents: Ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. 2. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas. 3. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”

According to the US Embassy, the revised visa terms are part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process. The initiative was designed to align visa policies with international standards and security requirements.

The embassy stated that the new guidelines applied only to visas issued on or after July 8 and that existing visas would remain valid until their expiration.

The embassy also explained the reasoning behind the policy, emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the US immigration system.

Among the benchmarks the US considers essential are the issuance of secure travel documents, effective management of visa overstays, and information sharing on criminal records and other security-related data.

According to the embassy, the US Mission is working with Nigerian authorities to meet these benchmarks.

Despite the stricter regulations, the US government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria.

In light of the changes, the US government urged Nigerian travelers to observe all visa conditions.

Diplomats react

Commenting on the development, a retired diplomat, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, described the measure as temporary and subject to review.

Akinkuolie called for a reciprocal response by the Nigerian government and urged that such reciprocity should be adjusted once the US revises its stance.

He said, “The policy of USA to reduce non-immigrant visa to three months, single entry is temporary, and subject to review. Nigeria should also reciprocate in like manner. And when the policy is reviewed by the other party, Nigeria should also do the same.

“Government delegations and diplomats of both countries travelling to USA, and Nigeria are not affected by this policy, which is an indication that government to government relationship between the two countries is still strong.

“Normally, anyone travelling to USA to visit family members, or as a tourist, should not stay for more than three months, except there is intention to ‘Japa’.”

A foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju linked the new visa restrictions to broader US political trends, especially under the Trump administration.

Onunaiju argued that rather than confront the US directly, Nigeria should adopt a broader diplomatic strategy.

He said, “First, these measures are to be expected and the issue of restrictive immigration to the US was a major policy platform of the Mr. Trump campaign for the presidency. It is part of the Trump administration inverse nationalisms that can be discerned across his entire policy platforms.

“A frontal pushback will not offer much help but a deliberate policy to diversify and consolidate partnerships across the world would offset most of the effects of the US nationalist resurgence.

“Visa restrictions, punitive tariff impositions, upending traditional diplomatic practices and disruptive political mannerisms would undergird Washington international behaviours in the coming years and therefore both traditional partners like Nigeria should get ready for more of Washington twists and turns.”

Tougher entry conditions

Meanwhile, according to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied.

For those aged 45 and above, visa applicants must present a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).

Travel agents said the new policy was expected to drastically reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai, a top destination for business and tourism.

“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the TOURIST VISA CATEGORY.

“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.

“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc,” the notification read.

UK introduces eVisas

The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday announced that starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, a statement from the BHC revealed.

The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

According to the statement, “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.

“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

“This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visas applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”

Importantly, applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information.

The statement further stated that once their visa is approved, they will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with a decision and instructions to set up a UKVI account in order to access their eVisa.

“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.

“Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” the statement added.

The Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, said, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport.

“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”

She also noted that not all applicants would be affected by the new system immediately.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” she added.

The High Commission clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Holders of a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England.

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must; Apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk); Attend a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics; Take their passport home the same day if a vignette is not required; Follow the decision letter instructions, including creating and linking a UKVI account if necessary.

Opposition blames FG

While reacting to the tighter visa conditions on Nigerians, the opposition Labour Party accused the FG of incompetence and failure to address the deteriorating state of the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the Deputy National Chairman, Labour Party, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, expressed disappointment at Nigeria’s growing international isolation, which he attributed to poor governance and a failure to provide opportunities for citizens.

“It is not just about the visa bans. Every country is moving forward, but Nigeria is stuck — in fact, we are regressing,” Olorunfemi said. “These countries can’t afford to wait for us. If we refuse to make progress, they will act in their own interest, and that is what we are witnessing now.”

He noted that the restrictions were not necessarily targeted at Nigerians but reflected a broader global response to Nigeria’s unchecked population growth, lack of development, and increasing emigration crisis.

“Our people are leaving en masse in search of greener pastures. The ‘Japa’ wave is a direct result of government failure to care for its citizens. This is why you hear some Nigerians saying they would rather be slaves abroad than free citizens here,” he lamented.

Olorunfemi warned that Nigeria’s large and growing population, if not properly managed, will continue to place pressure not just on the country but on the international community, especially well-organized developed nations.

“You can’t expect them to keep their borders open when we have refused to fix our own house. If you don’t raise your children properly, they become strays and the world will treat them as such,” he said.

He also criticised the political class, describing them as “gangs of criminals” engaged in power struggles, with little regard for the welfare of the masses.

“Rather than rebuild the nation, what we see are criminal gangs wrestling to hijack power from other criminal gangs, while the people look on helplessly, as if they have no other choice.”

The LP chieftain urged the government to urgently address the root causes of the mass exodus and international embarrassment, including insecurity, economic hardship, and poor leadership.

Also, the New Nigeria Peoples Party stated that the new restrictions reflected how Nigeria was viewed by the international community.

Speaking (with The Punch), the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the development as a wake-up call for the country.

He stated, “Well, the posture of foreign countries towards us and the trend we’re beginning to see is indicative of how they perceive us as Nigerians and how valuable or otherwise they feel that we are, or our patronage.

“It is a shame that things seem to be degenerating for us on the international stage. It is a wake-up call for the government, the federal government — especially in view of the fact that Mr. President, since resuming office, has not appointed ambassadors. And I am not sure how he is selling his agenda to our partners around the world, not just the Western world.

“If his agenda is sold and our partners understand where he is going administratively, it might help the outlook that they have for the country. On the other hand, they might have seen where things are going, and they might view things negatively.

“Whichever way, we feel it is a wake-up call for the government to put its house in order. And this is not good at a time when the government is telling us that it is bringing in foreign direct investment.”

The restrictions also sparked reactions online with a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dele Momodu, writing on his Instagram handle, “BREAKING: The United States halts long-term visas for Nigerians. This comes on the heels of attending and actively engaging in the BRICS summit. The ramifications of President Tinubu’s limited diplomatic experience and strategic vision are becoming increasingly evident. Meanwhile, ECOWAS has fractured and diverged, marking a significant turning point in regional cooperation.”

Also, Bashir Ahmad, an aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, stated on X, “I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity. Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.

“Nigeria is charting its course, forging strategic partnerships that serve our national interest. Our President, Bola Tinubu’s successful outing at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a strong message. We are Nigeria and we will be alright.”

Reacting, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said the Federal Government is reviewing the United States’ visa reciprocity policy and taking steps to address the concerns that led to the latest development.

According to The Punch, Bwala, on Wednesday, dismissed claims that the visa reciprocity issue stemmed from poor diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the US.

He maintained that Nigeria enjoys strong diplomatic ties with the US, citing the fact that Nigeria was not among the countries affected by the travel restrictions recently announced by US President Donald Trump.

Bwala said, “It is not really about poor governance or poor diplomatic relations with the US. President Donald Trump is reviewing relations with all countries of the world. You recall that when he recently placed travel restrictions, Nigeria was not included.

“The reciprocity requires review, and we are taking steps to rectify issues. No problems at all. We are in a good relationship with the US.”

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