Buhari Reacts To President Trump Adding Nigeria In His Travel Ban List

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted after Nigeria was added to the list of countries with temporary restrictions into the United States.

In responding to the ban, President Buhari has set up a committee. The committee will work with the U.S government, INTERPOL, and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.

On January 31, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary travel restriction on six countries, including Nigeria. The proclamation, signed by President Donald Trump on Friday, is expected to take effect on February 22.

In a statement signed by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity on February 1, the president

 “has established a committee, to be chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements. The committee will work with the U.S Government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.”

On 31st January 2020, the United States (U.S) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced temporary travel restrictions on six (6) countries including Nigeria.

For Nigeria, the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only. This suspension shall come into effect on 21st February 2020. The suspension does not apply to other U.S visas such as those for official, business, tourism and student travel.

The DHS states the suspension of “immigrant visas” became necessary following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments. This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.

“Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security.”