The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to appear before it over several pressing national issues, including the recent change in the United States’ visa policy for Nigerians and reported irregularities in foreign service postings.
In a letter dated July 11 and signed by the committee chairman, Hon. Wole Oke, the minister was invited to clarify matters concerning the implementation of the new US visa regime, which took effect on July 8, 2025. The policy reduces the validity of most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas — including tourist, business, and student categories, to three months and limits them to single entry.
The committee noted that while the US State Department stated the decision was part of its global efforts to tighten border security and curb visa overstays, the abrupt nature of the change has raised concerns among Nigerians at home and abroad. The committee also addressed the circulation of false claims suggesting that Nigeria had provoked the new US stance by discontinuing five-year visas for American citizens — a claim now officially debunked.
Beyond the visa issue, the committee also asked the minister to respond to allegations of illegal postings to foreign missions. Specifically, it requested an explanation for the appointment of directors who are within three to six months of retirement, describing such actions as potential violations of civil service guidelines.
Additionally, the panel is demanding updates on the optimisation and management of Ministry of Finance assets in foreign missions. This includes the ongoing digitisation efforts, the integration of consular service platforms with those of key agencies like the Nigerian Immigration Service, and concerns surrounding the documentation and disbursement of funds to missions abroad.
In its correspondence, the committee directed Minister Tuggar to submit a comprehensive briefing note by July 15, ahead of his scheduled appearance before the lawmakers on July 16.
Chioma Kalu
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