FG bows to US, reduces visa fees

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Nigeria has announced a reduction in the fees payable for Nigerian visa by US citizens. This was contained in a statement by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, which was signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director (Press & Public Relations) in the Ministry.

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“The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to the introduction of reciprocity of Visa Fees by the United States of America.

“The Ministry acknowledges that there were engagements with the United States Embassy on the issue and in the aftermath, a Committee was set up to conduct due diligence in line with the Ministry’s extant policy on reciprocity of Visa fees.

“The Committee had concluded its assignment and submitted a Report but the issuance of authorisation for its recommendations was delayed due to transition processes in the Ministry at the policy level.

“The Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has approved the decrease of Visa charges payable by US citizens in line with reciprocity policy as recommended by the Committee.

“Accordingly, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede, has been directed to implement the decrease in Nigeria’s Visa charges to US Citizens with effect from Thursday, 29th August, 2019,” the statement read in part. The US had said that its decision to hike visa issuance fees was based on the principle of reciprocity after Nigeria failed to change its fee structure despite 18 months of review and consultations.

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