"I Never Stopped 5-Year Non-Immigrant Visa For US Citizens" - Tinubu

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT 

PRESIDENT TINUBU NEVER STOPPED THE 5-YEAR NON-IMMIGRANT VISA FOR US CITIZENS 

Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity. 

Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu's administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States' non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians. 

The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.

We want to reiterate that the US government's claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians. 

The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait. The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu's efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.

Although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.

In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments. 

Bayo Onanuga 

Special Adviser to the President 

(Information and Strategy)

July 10, 2025

Flash Flood Kills 32, Wreaks Havoc in Texas, as Rescue Efforts Continue

Officials in Texas have confirmed that 32 people have died in a flash flood that hit parts of the state, including 14 children. About 27 others are still missing. 

Rescue teams have saved over 850 people so far, but many are still being searched for especially a group of girls attending a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

The flood caught many people by surprise. Local leaders say they didn’t expect this much rain. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a warning, but officials now say it didn’t fully predict how bad the flooding would be. This has raised concerns, especially as the NWS has been affected by recent budget cuts and staff layoffs.

One of the hardest-hit places is Kerr County. Many are asking why camps near the river weren’t evacuated earlier. A local judge admitted they didn’t expect such a disaster. 

Currently, the situation remains serious, and families are hoping that missing children will be found.

The NWS, which lost about 600 staff recently, is now being questioned about its ability to give timely and accurate warnings.

President  Donald Trump has called the deaths “shocking” and promised help for Texas. 

His administration says they are working with the state government and will send emergency support. 

The National Weather Service has warned of more rain up to four more inches raising the risk of further flooding. 

Over 1,000 rescue workers have been sent to help. 

Police Cofirm Murder of Business Man By His Employees

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and murder of a businessman, identified as Mr. Henry, by his own employees who later collected ransom from his family.

According to the police, the shocking incident involved workers of the deceased who conspired to kidnap him, demanded ransom, and went on to kill him even after the money was paid. The suspects continued to deceive the family, claiming Mr. Henry was still alive, and extorted additional funds under false pretences.

One of the suspects, a 33-year-old man named Samuel from Akwa Ibom State, was arrested and confessed to both the kidnapping and the killing.

“The suspect confessed to the kidnap. After receiving the ransom, he killed the victim,” the Edo State Police Command stated in an official briefing.

The victim’s son narrated how the ordeal unfolded. “After we gave them money, one of them told me he would show me where my father’s body was, and I sent him money again. After sending the first payment, we stopped hearing from them. Their phone numbers became unreachable,” he said.

Police investigations have so far linked five individuals to the crime. The command noted that all suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to bringing all those involved to justice and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the growing insecurity in communities and raises urgent questions about trust, safety, and the need for reinforced law enforcement action.

"We're Clearing Bottlenecks to Enhance Food and Agric Production in Nigeria -Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to dismantling all barriers impeding growth in Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is undergoing strategic reforms aimed at ensuring food security, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening agro-industrial exports.

The high-level meeting, which brought together cabinet members from both nations, focused on deepening cooperation in critical areas such as trade, aviation, energy transition, agriculture, mining, and natural resource exploration.

Reforming Agriculture for Economic Growth

President Tinubu highlighted that unnecessary bureaucracy has long hindered the full realization of Nigeria's agricultural potential. He assured the Brazilian delegation that his administration is working to fast-track and simplify all technical agreements to stimulate investment and improve operational efficiency in the sector.

He pointed to Nigeria's natural advantage in agriculture and reiterated that the federal government is determined to unlock the sector’s potential by fostering partnerships and accelerating innovation.

Focus on Livestock and the Blue Economy

On livestock development, President Tinubu outlined key initiatives targeting poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries. He also spotlighted Nigeria’s emerging blue economy, noting it holds vast opportunities for long-term collaboration with Brazil, especially in marine-based food production and aquaculture.

“The subnational governments will continue to play a vital role in advancing food and livestock production, working in synergy with federal efforts to boost job creation and revenue,” President Tinubu stated.

Brazil to Collaborate on R&D and Livestock Improvement

President Lula da Silva expressed strong support for the partnership, assuring that Brazil will regularize existing agreements and sign updated Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during President Tinubu’s next visit.

He also committed Brazil’s renowned research and development institutions to work with Nigeria in livestock improvement, particularly in disease management and the development of new breeds.

Ministers and Governors Back the Vision

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, reinforced the President’s stance on food security, emphasizing that international collaboration will be critical in achieving national objectives. He noted that Nigeria’s comparative advantage in fertiliser production can be scaled up through global cooperation.

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, outlined three core focus areas for Nigeria–Brazil collaboration: animal health and disease control, sanitary services, and advanced livestock genetics.

Also present at the meeting were the Governors of Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos States, who pledged to support the federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stated that the inclusion of a business forum during the President’s visit would foster fresh investment and innovation in the sector.

Other high-ranking officials in attendance included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.

This renewed Nigeria-Brazil partnership aims to reposition Nigeria’s agriculture as a global contender while securing long-term food security for its population.

Shared by Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
Date: July 5, 2025

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U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STRENGTHENING

Today the first cohort of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Training graduated in Abuja.  The intermediate level training was hosted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seventeen public health emergency operations center staff members from countries across the region (Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, and Mali) participated in the two-week training.  They learned and strengthened the skills needed to effectively operate incident management systems for outbreak preparedness and response.  As a result, the region is now better equipped to prepare for and respond to epidemics and pandemics.

In her remarks at the graduation ceremony, the U.S. CDC Division of Global Health Protection Acting Program Director Asmau Aminu-Alhaji thanked the graduates for their dedication to public health both at home and across the region and highlighted the importance of public health collaboration and communication across borders.

The Public Health Emergency Management Professional Certification Program is part of the U.S. Government’s support for global health Security in Nigeria and globally. It provides emergency operations staff and other public health experts with specialized training in public health emergency management, operations, and other critical preparedness and response skills.

PR, US Embassy Abuja.

#USEmbassy #Nigeria #USA #Publichealth #CDC #Abuja

Gov. Diri Lauds Release of Abducted Bayelsa Judge

Gov Diri Lauds Security Agencies As  Abducted Bayelsa Judge Regains Freedom

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commended security agencies in the state for the rescue of Justice Ebieyerin Umukoro from his abductors.

Justice Umukoro, a Judge of the state High Court, regained his freedom on Thursday evening after 12 days in the kidnappers den.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, informed that security men went on the trail of his abductors following a directive by Governor Diri that he be rescued unhurt.

The Bayelsa governor praised the combined effort of the security agencies, particularly men of the Department of State Services (DSS), for their unrelenting pressure on the kidnappers that eventually led to his freedom.

He said the criminals, who fled due to the pressure, would be arrested and be brought to justice.

While assuring residents of the state of their safety and security, Governor Diri restated his warning to criminally-minded individuals to steer clear of Bayelsa as his administration had invested much resources to guarantee peace and security of the state.

He also said the security agencies will continue to be  supported by the administration to carry out their responsibility.

The governor called for greater support and cooperation from the people while assuring them that their security was a priority of the administration. 

Daniel Alabrah 

Chief Press Secretary 

Thursday, July 3, 2025