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Jibrin Writes APC Chairman, Reveals Dirty Secrets Of House Speaker, Says Omisore Is Dogara’s Father.

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Dogara-Jibrin

Embattled Former Chairman, Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, Abdumumin Jibrin, on Saturday said a former deputy governor of Osun state, Iyiola Omisore, is the ‘godfather’ of Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the APC and made available to PorscheClassy Media, John Oyegun, Jibrin said he made “an error of judgement’ in supporting Dogara to be the Speaker.

Jibrin said his relationship with Dogara began to suffer when he started getting reports of the Speaker’s alleged “corrupt practises.”

Read The Letter Below:

Chief John Odigie Oyegun

The National Chairman

All Peoples Congress APC

National Secretariat

Wuse II

Abuja

Dear Sir

DETAILS OF THE ALLEGATIONS I MADE AGAINST SPEAKER YAKUBU DOGARA, DEPUTY SPEAKER YUSUF LASUN, HOUSE WHIP ALHASSAN DOGUWA AND MINORITY LEADER OF THE PDP LEO OGOR AND 9 OTHER STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN: THIS IS A LITMUS TEST AND DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE ANTI-CORRUPTION STAND OF THE APC AS THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING

I write to the Leadership of our Party, the various Organs and chapters of the Party, elected and appointed officials of our party, supporters, well wishers and members of our party in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large through your good office, the Chairman of our great party.

I write you this letter for four very important reasons

1– To apologise and seek forgiveness of the party for the role I played in the election of the extremely corrupt Speaker Yakubu Dogara!

2-To give a background of the current crisis as a result of the allegations I raised against Speaker and the 12 other

corrupt members

3-To furnish you with the details of the allegations against Mr Speaker and the 12 others and

4-To provide urgent recommendation on the way forward before this crisis cause irreparable damage of our great party

APOLOGY TO THE APC

Mr Chairman, you will recall the crisis during and after the election of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun and Whip Alhassan Doguwa. You will also recall the leading role I played in bringing these 3 Principal Officers on board. I recollect with deep regret and pains and can still hear the eco of your voice in the make or mar meeting at the ICC shouting “sit down Jibrin, sit down Jibrin, Jibrin sit down” ” you dare not walk out of this hall Jibrin”! Sen Lawali Shuaibu watched helplessly with the box of ballot meant for the mock elections as I forced myself up, stood my grounds, made my points, held the hands of Yakubu Dagara, a green snake under green grass, and pulled him out of the hall. You saw what I didn’t see. A validation of the saying that ” what an old man can see, a young man cannot even if he climbs a tree” worst, an old man of over 7 decades. The rest is history.

The role I played to the best of my conscience at then sir was patriotic. I analysed the 2 candidates and felt Speaker Dogara has a better temperament to make a good Speaker. It was a narrow line of thinking, an error of judgement. It took only few weeks after the election for me to realize the corrupt and dangerous man inside the skin of Speaker Dogara. That was when I started getting reports of his corrupt practices for many years in the House undetected. I fell apart will Speaker Dogara instantly. Contrary to public believe, we have never been close since few weeks after he emerged Speaker.

We practically disagreed on almost everything. From the appointment of Committee Chairmen, to splitting of Committees, to non disclosure of the finances of the house, to his greed of unifying everything under his control, commercializations of bills, divisive approach across ethnic and religious line, arrogance and power drunk, corruption and fraud during the budget period among many others. But who will I tell or run to having played such a leading role in bringing him on board. It was a painful,frustrating and depressing period for me.

He operates alone, keep weird relationships with top politicians. His God father is Sen Iyola Omisore. Speaker Dogara is of the habit of taking standing Committee Chairmen to swear Oath of allegiance before Omisore. During the build up to the appointment of committee Chairmen.

I had a terrible disagreement with him. I stayed far away from him. I was in london when he insisted he wants to see me. He came to my hotel room and we talked for hours. I gave him a lot of advice but I never knew it was getting in from one ears and out from the other. He was more interested in telling me about the forces who didn’t want me to be appointed Chairman appropriation as if I cared. He mentioned Former Speaker and present Governor of Sokoto state Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as one. That is how narrow minded Dogara can be.

I have always maintained to him that being Chairman appropriation is not in any way a favour to me. I dashed him money, he thanked me and left. The following day, he pleaded to me to join him at a house in london. I went and I saw him seated very comfortably with Sen Omisore.

It was there he said he was going to appoint me Chairman appropriation and I should be reporting to Omisore! I was completely shocked. A nice lunch was served, we eat and We left. Atleast there are CCTV in london. I confided in a highly placed person who I wouldn’t want to mention his name. He advised me to remain calm and consentrate on my jobMy refusal to comply with such questionable instructions largely accounted for the anger of Mr Speaker towards me.

It was much later that I realized that Sen Omisore had adopted Speaker Dogara as a god son since their days as Chairman appropriation and house services in the 6th Assembly respectively. Studying Speaker Dogara in the last one year and many things I know that it may not be proper to mention here, he does not wish the APC well, he is a cheap pretender, he is not loyal to the party and he will provide a solid platform for a massive attack against our party in the nearer future. I know what Iam talking about.

In a nutshell, it will be dangerous and potentially disastrous for the party to keep Speaker Yakubu Dogara on that seat. I wish to state that I deeply regret the role I played in the emergence of Yakubu Dogara as Speaker. I seek the understanding and forgiveness from you, our leaders and every member of the APC family that was hurt by my action. Thank God Almighty, Iam young and energetic. I will be 40 on September 9th. I promise that moving forward, I will dedicate and completely commit my self to achieving the goals set out by the party. This case should serve as a lesson for everyone in the future.

BACKGROUND OF THE CURRENT CRISIS

Mr Chairman sir, let me reemphasis that I did nothing wrong. I committed no offense. I have never abused my office or corruptly enrich myself in the 5years I have spent in the House. No one has ever accused me of corruption in the House until lately I after raising allegations against Speaker Dogara, corruption started fighting back. They starting bringing up baseless allegations.

I am pretty sure the anti corruption agencies will do their job and all our party men and women will know the truth at the end of the day. My offense has been my refusal to be used as conduit to to facilitate free flow of corruption in the House of Representatives I came under severe pressure during the budget period to break procedures and commit fraudulent actions.

When they could not use me, the Speaker connived with few committee chairmen and they opened a bazaar of corrupt insertions into the budget. I complained to the Speaker but he took no action only for me to discover later that he, his deputy, Whip and Minority Leader were indeed the ring Leaders of that corrupt cabal in the House. All they wanted was to do away with me considered the obstacle. The Speaker and the 3 others were in the tick of the plot. The only time they call on me is when they need someone on television. I was blackmailed that it is my job as Appropriation committee Chairman to defend everything about the budget whether I agree with it or not.

I deed my work as appropriation committee chairman diligently. I followed all the laws and procedures. I have all the documents and video recordings of proceedings intact. Problem started when the President returned the budget. I was invited to a meeting of body of Principal officers.

The speaker shamelessly denied he knew anything about the insertions. He knew very well that he and the 3 other Principal Officers connived with some Committee Chairmen to commit the fraud.
By then, I could not take the pressure anymore from Nigerians who thought I wrote the budget alone while the Speaker, the 3 other Principal Officers and the Committee chairmen involved wickedly kept quite. I told the meeting clearly that they were the culprit. The meeting became very tensed to a point where Lasun and Ogar wanted to exchange blows with me.

I maintained my calm and to the God Almighty that I worship, apologized to them. I was overwhelmed but I knew I cannot continue to cover up anything again. It was at that meeting that they requested me not to tell my colleagues at the executive session that the 4 of them stole 40billion out of the 100 billion meant for constituency projects. I told them clearly I cannot.

We then moved into the executive session. Members were very angry with me. They have every reason to because they don’t have full information of what transpired. I was called upon to adress the session. I prayed quietly and stepped forward.

They asked me about cuts in their budgets, the Speaker knew the answer and kept quite, they asked about the insertions, all the culprits were seated there but the Speaker kept quite, they asked about their missing 40billion, the Speaker kept quite. At that point, I told them that the Speaker and the 3 other Principal Officers took the money and shared it to themselves and few others.

The session went balistic! I was scared to say more than that. After that meeting, the Speaker and the 3 others became even more angry with me. They were determined to embarrass and disgrace me using every means possible. They just wanted me out of out of the job.

They quickly in an arrangement Allen to parliamentary practice set up an harmonization committee and Appointed one of them the Deputy Speaker Lasun Chairman all to send a message to members and the public that there is no more confidence in me and Iam the culprit and provide a more comfortable avenue to continue there fraud and poisonous insertion in the budget. Deputy Speaker Lasun did a great job. He indeed FANTASTICALLY loaded the budget with poisonous insertions for the QUARTET aided and abetted by the Speaker.

In protest that my secretariat was taken away from me on two occasions for such insertions to be made on the instruction of Speaker Dogara, I refused to sign the harmonized version until a compromise was brokered by Sen Danjuma Goje that the Deputy Speaker who headed the harmonization should also sign.

As the budget was signed into law the QUARTET resumed their hunting game for Hon Jibrin. There went every where I search of something to nail me, they couldn’t find any. They were frustrated but remained desperate. At that point, I was already fed up but I was sure I will stand up to them and expose them.

The immunity debate gave me a chance to prove to them that enough is enough. At that point, I had made up my mind to leave. The whole environment was filthy. The smell of corruption was all over Speaker Dogara. Every body knows he and his gand of few other members like Hon Herma Hembe was very corrupt front, back, left, right and center. He isolated himself with a very few small minded rogues in the House. I informed the Speaker on three occasions but he always replied me that I will call you later so we can discuss. On Wednesday the 20th July I went up to him and told him I will announce my resignation if he doesn’t. He still said to me lets me at 10pm in the night. They just wanted to ensure Iam disgraced out of office.

He went on at the end of the session and announced that I have resigned but they have taken a decision already to sack me on allegation of offenses regarding the 2016 budget. A budget they and me know too well they are are the culprits. I had to respond for so many reasons. It provided me an apple opportunity to open up on the mess they perpetrated in the budget and corruption in the House in order to force reforms that will restore the battered image of the House.

Mr Chairman, believe me or not, this is what I have always wished and prayed for an opportunity to do. Secondly, it is important to say my side of the story so that Nigerians will know I committed no offense. I was worried of my image. I have a family and children. The best I can bequests of them is a good name. I there fore set out and released dozens of allegations against the Speaker and 12 others. Until date they have not responded to any of the allegations. In contrast, I have responded to all the allegations they raised against me which largely bothered on immaturity, betrayal and so on. My responses are in the public glare.

I proceeded to submit petitions based on the allegations to the EFCC, ICPC, DSS and the NPF for investigation and prosecution. While I have attended several meetings with these agencies to give insight on the allegations, provide documents and codes on how to crack these kind of corrupt cases and others in the House, they on the other hand continue to evade the anti corruption agencies.

They have used the period to intensify lobby for a safe landing in high places, hurriedly clean up the mess on their desk, shared money to some members for signature of confidence vote, offered incentives of committees to the Transparency and Integrity groups, embarked on an expensive media campaign to launder the image of the Speaker and attack my person and worst of all attempt to black mail the executive, senate and highly placed individuals with the cheap lies that the padding allegations, if dealt with decisively will bring down the whole country. What a blackmail on the entire country!

When Mr Speaker and his cohorts realized that I was out for a real show, haven submitted my petition and documents to the anti graft agencies which clearly shows my innocence and them as the culprits in the whole budget issues, he made a disgraceful about turn. He announced to the whole world that padding is not an offense. Few days later, he boasted that the anti graft agencies have no power to investigate or prosecute him that is why he has shun all their invitations. There was uproar all over the country against Speaker Dogara. Yet, in another shameful and disgraceful turn about, he said in a statement yesterday that he was misunderstood, indeed! And added that no money was lost during the appropriation exercise. But at the same time all of these are offenses if the accused is Hon Jibrin. What a shame!

The same Speaker who claimed he “sacked” me for budget offenses. Mr Chairman, all the statements of Mr Speaker during in the last few days has clearly proved my innocence. I have decided to find appropriate constitutional and legal means to get the Speaker and his co travelers to account for the damage to my name and person and trouble he has caused me and my family. Yes, he has the powers to remove a committee chairman but it must be done with a huge sense of justice, fairness and responsibility.

The Speaker also claimed at the Civil Society Dislogue that we did lot of good work in the budget. Why did it take him this long to come out and admit? Simple, it was myself and Goje that sorted out all that. He knew nothing about the efforts we made in that regards but shamelessly he wants to claim it. Mr Chairman, I have taken my time to explain this so that you will get a proper context to this crisis. Let me re iterate that padding is an offense. Padding can be tried under nigerian laws. The Speaker can be investigated and prosecuted. Contrary to the claims of Mr Speaker, I can prove how money has been lost indirectly by government through padding.

I have pledged maximum cooperation to the anti curruption agencies and I will provide them with guide and assistance on how to unravel all these crime and theft against Nigerians. For instance let’s say an item in a budget proposed by the executive under Power for the purchase of a transformer cost N2million and same amount was budgeted. If the Chairman House Committee on power because he has the “powers” to appropriate decides to add N3million naira to jack up the allocation to 5million naira when it is a public knowledge that the transformer cannot cost more than 2million naira, what do you call that? That essentially means APPROPRIATION FRAUD! And such chairman is a FRAUDSTER, a common criminal. On the other hand, let’s say he decides to irrationally reduce the amount to 500,000 thousand naira knowing fully well that, the said amount cannot buy the transformer, what do you call that? APPROPRIATION SABOTAGE and such a chairman is a SABOTEUR. And let’s say he just decided to take the entire 2million naira away, the question is where has he taken it to? Let’s follow up, we might discover something shocking. I have no apology for saying this! Little by little, I will be providing more in-depth details.

DETAILS OF ALLEGATIONS

Mr Chairman, I have decided to capture properly the allegations I leveled against the Speaker and 12 others so that you will under the gravity of the matter at hand and also understand that the allegations are beyond budget issues and includes tens of other criminal allegations that cannot be swept under the carpet against the Following

i.Speaker Yakubu Dogara,

ii.Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun,

iii.House Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa,

iv.Minority Leader Leo Ogor.

v. Hon Herma Hembe

vi. Hon Mohammed Bago

vii. Hon Zakari Mohammed

viii. Hon Chike Okafor

viiii. Hon Dan Asuquo

X. Hon Jagaba Adams Jagaba

Xi. Hon Haliru Jika

Xii. Hon Babanle Ila

Xiii. Hon Abonta Abonta

Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the three others fraudulently shortchanged the House of Representatives and abused their offices by unilaterally taking away 40 Billion Naira out of the 100 Billion Naira allocated for constituency projects and distributing same to themselves and the trio of Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, House Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor and others without the approval of the House

Speaker Yakubu Dogara approached our client with personal requests of about 30 Billion Naira to be inserted into the 2016 budget our clients refusal to get that done caused a major rift between them which has escalated beyond measure

Speaker Dogara acting in concert with the aforenamed trio and as against the advice of our client inserted wasteful projects for their constituencies worth about 20 Billion Naira.

Our client also complained to Speaker Dogara that the Chairmen of about 10 out of the 96 standing committees of the House have inserted over 2000 projects worth about 284 Billion Naira but his complaint was ignored because the Speaker was acting in cahoots with them.

That in a bid to ensure that his nefarious intentions are met, the Speaker took away the appropriations committee secretariat on two occasions where several insertions were made into the budget and this created avoidable tension during the budget process.

The Speaker also gave directions to our client to create a strange line item in the service wide vote to allow for a 20 Billion Naira insertion into the budget under the name of National Assembly our client refused to accede to this request.

The Speaker fraudulently diverted a Federal Government water project to his farm in Nasarawa State and the source of funding for the farm remain questionable

The Speaker also made a fraudulent arrangements to deduct monthly from money meant for members office running cost to fund a so called dubious mortgage arrangement

The Speaker abused his office by directing an agency to grant loans and also arrange frequent private meetings with heads of MDA’s in a clear case of corruption and conflict of interest.

The Speaker acting in collusion with the above named trio allocated to themselves the entire 20% inputs reserved for the House of Representatives after the harmonization exercise.

The Speaker fraudulently collected undisclosed millions of Naira in a scam arrangement for the rent of houses and guest houses acting in collusion with Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun and Hon. Herman Hembe. It is a matter of public knowledge in the House that Lasun had openly accused Hembe to have carted away will some millions from the illicit money

The Speaker has ordered that all the computers in the appropriation secretariat be shut down and moved to his office whilst the secretariat staff are being harassed to keep quiet and suppress facts relating to the entire budget and there has been attempts by agents of the speaker to burgle our client’s office to steal vital documents.

The Speaker also allowed several wasteful procurement of needless items, including ones that are already in the offices of members as a ploy to siphon funds of the House

The Speaker has despite several protest from members continue to run the management of finances of the House and it’s budget in absolute secrecy in the face of several allegations of sharp practices

The Speaker was involved in money laundry cases in the House and was the architect of the fraudulent multi billion naira car purchase contract when he was Chairman House services committee

And allegations of harassment and attempt to kidnap or kill me by Speaker Dogara and his corrupt gang.

He is using his office as Speaker to sabotage investigation

1.Honourable Herma Hembe:

Honourable Herman Hembe is the member representing Vandeikya/KonshishaFederal Constituency of Benue State and also the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory. Honourable Hembe lives way above his means from funds. Apart from being adept at misappropriation, He has plenty questions to answer for movement of massive amount of money in the Federal Capital Territory budget.

2.Honourable Umar Mohammed Bago:

Hon Umar Mohammed Bago is the member representing Chanchanga Federal Constituency of Niger State and also the Chairman of the House Committee on marine transport. the fraudulent investigative hearing organized by Hon Umar Mohammed Bago with support of Speaker Yakubu Dogara wherein he invited about 1000 companies as a conduit to extort money. The source of money used to fund the investigative hearing has remained a mystery
3.Honourable Zakari Mohammed:

Honourable Zakari Mohammed represents Baruten/ Kaiama Federal Constituency of Kwara State and also the Chairman House Committee on higher education. He made a complete mess of the higher education committee budget through massive movements of funds and hundred of insertions. to investigate allegations of bribery against him and Speaker Yakubu Dogara over roles they played in the NNPC crude oil SWAP investigation.

4.Honourable Chike Okafor:

Honourable Chike Okafor is the member representing Ehime Mbano/ Obowo/ Ihitte of Imo State and also the Chairman House committee on health. To investigate Honourable Chike Okafor for being involved in and responsible for the movement of colossal amounts of money in the Health Committee budget.

5.Honourable Dan Asuquo:

Honourable Dan Asuquo represents Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency of Cross Rivers State and also the Chairman of the House Committee on Power. To investigate his involvement in and responsibility for the movement of massive amounts of money in the Power budget.
6.Honourable Jagaba Adams Jagaba

Honourable Jagaba Adam is the member representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency of Kaduna State and also the Chairman House committee on Power. To investigate his movement of massive amounts of money in the interior budget.

7.Honourable Haliru Jika

Honourable Haliru Jika represents Darazo/Gunjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State and is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs. To investigate his movement of massive amounts of money into the Police budget.

8 Honourable Babanle Ila

Hon Babanle Ila represent Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano state and is also the Chairman House services committee. To investigate thoroughly the wasteful contracts awarded under his and the Speakers watch in other to justify spending and non disclosure of the finances of the house
9-Hon Abonta Abonta

He is the Chairman House committee on public petition. To investigate allegation of embezzlement, misuse and misappropriation of millions of naira meant for the running of his office.

Just to bring you up to date Sir, I have forwarded to the anti corruption agencies documents showing how Speaker Dogara and the 3 others allocated the 40billion naira they stole from 100billion for constituency project, how they inserted about 20billion naira of wasteful projects, how they cornered the entire 20% of inputs reserved for the house after the harmonization exercise, attempts to force in about 30billion naira of wasteful projects into the budget, attempt to force me to introduce a strange line item and insert about 20billion naira in the service wide vote using the name of nass, evidence showing that indeed about 10 standing committees of the house made about 2000 insertions in budget worth about 284billion naira and indeed reports of 6 standing committees showing massive movement of money with clear intent to commit fraud.

I have also commenced providing the anti corruption agencies clue on how investigative hearings in the house under Speaker Dogara are used as conduit pipes to carry out massive corruption and how the house services committee chairman and the Speaker runs and spend money meant for the House in absolute secrecy. I will continue to cooperate with the anti-corruption agencies and guide them on how to crack the code of curruption that has assumed a monumental proportion under the very corrupt Speaker Dogara.

WAY FORWARD

Mr Chairman sir, you will agree with me that the world is watching on how the APC will deal with this issue of incontrovertible corruption in high places. Here you have a golden opportunity to show the world that there is zero tolerance of corruption in our great party the APC. Even more, is the having a serving member that understands this issue in my person who has offered to stand as witness and provide every support to the anti curruption agencies to investigate the allegations thoroughly and commence prosecution in earnest. There is no better way of demonstrating our commitment to the fight against corruption than to use Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the 12 others as example. You will also agree with me that in the face of all these allegations and front and back in his utterances, Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the other Principal Officers have lost the moral ground to continue in office.

They have become a baggage should be off loaded by the APC before it inflict an irreparable damage on the Party. From every part of Nigeria and the world, that is the opinion of people. The party must act very quickly and decisively. In his usual mischievous manner, Speaker is bandying around religious and ethnic card. He has so soon forgotten those that lead the campaign that brought him up as Speaker in the first place. As a way forward, I wish to recommend to the party to

1-To direct Speaker Yakubu Dogara to reconvene the House and step down with other accused Principal Officers immediately to allow for internal and external investigation without interference so that sanity will return

2-To nominate a Speaker Pro Tempo and mobilize our members to support him to take over and adjourn the House until when we are due for resumption in September. This will give room for consultations on the election of a new Speaker when we resume

3-To Insist on internal reform of the activities of the House and ensure that the new Speaker implements it fully.

4-To discuss on the possibility of returning the 100billion constituency component of the budget under any of our laws so that all stolen money can be returned particularly the 40billion naira and equitably distributed to all constituencies.

5-To discuss if the party so desired, Iam offering to identity all the toxic insertions by Speaker Dogara and 12 others in the budget so that they can be removed. We have different laws under which that can be done.

I strongly believe that if these recommendations are implemented, it will go along way in resolving the crisis and provide the ventilation for the House to commence the process of internal reforms and self cleansing to repair its battered image and restore the trust of Nigerians in the House.

This will also provide a relieve for the party and the government who have remained completely embarrassed with this development.

Mr Chairman, Iam available and always at your disposal should there arise a need for me to provide further explanation in person as regard my letter.

Thank you very much for your attention
Your in service to the Nation

Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin
APC-Kano
Kiru-Bebeji Federal Constituency
Kano

BIG STORY

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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BIG STORY

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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BIG STORY

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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