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Tag: United States

  • U. S. imposes visa restriction on ‘violators of religious freedom’

    U. S. imposes visa restriction on ‘violators of religious freedom’

    The United States has imposed visa ban on individuals who have directed, authorised or supported violations of religious freedom.

    The restriction may also affect their immediate family members.

    The Department of State, in a statement yesterday titled: ‘Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally,’ said the United States was taking a decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical terrorists, ethnic militia and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond.

    But the statement did not name the affected officials.

    The statement said: “A new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the State Department to restrict visa issuance to individuals who have directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom and, where appropriate, their immediate family members.

    “As President Trump made clear, the ‘United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.’ This policy will apply to Nigeria and any other governments or individuals engaged in violations of religious freedom.”

    President Trump last month designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

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    This has been denied by the Federal Government and many well-meaning Nigerians.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris affirmed that there is no government complicity in the insurgency in parts of the country.

    He said the criminal elements terrorizing Nigerians do not spare any religion in their dastardly attacks.

    Nigeria’s delegation, led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, had visited the United States with evidence that there is no religious persecution in the country.

    The Federal Government had also been adopting measures to combat the insurgents.

    Part of these is the change of guards at the military High Command to step up the battle.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has personally taken charge as Commander in Chief. He cancelled his plan to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa and the African Union-European Union Summit in Angola last month.

    Also yesterday, the United States House Appropriators and Foreign Affairs leaders convened a rare joint briefing as part of a broader congressional investigation into what lawmakers and experts described as escalating and targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria.

    The session, led by House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security Sub-committee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Fla., followed a comprehensive report ordered by President Donald Trump on alleged killings of Christians and potential policy steps the U.S. could take to pressure Nigeria to respond.

    Trump had directed the Congress, led by Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., and Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., to probe alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria and produce a report for the White House to review.

    He had also directed military action against religious militants who kill.

    Vicky Hartzler, chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, told lawmakers that “religious freedom [is] under siege,” citing the abduction of more than 300 children and attacks in which “radical Muslims kill entire Christian villages [and] burn churches.”

    She said violations were “rampant,” “violent,” and disproportionately affect Christians who, she argued, were targeted “at a 2.2 to 1 rate”, compared with Muslims.

    Hartzler said Nigeria had taken some initial corrective steps, including reassigning about 100,000 police officers from VIP protection but warned that the country was entering a “coordinated and deeply troubling period of escalated violence.”

    She recommended targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials “who have demonstrated complicity,” visa restrictions, blocking U.S.-based assets, and conditioning foreign and humanitarian aid on measurable accountability.

    She also urged the Congress to direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a review of past U.S. assistance, adding that Nigeria should retake villages seized from Christian farming communities, so widows and children could return home.

  • Nigeria fighting for survival and United States must not stand aside

    Nigeria fighting for survival and United States must not stand aside

    By Olufemi Soneye

    The United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has reignited conversation across diplomatic, security, and human rights circles. The CPC mechanism under the International Religious Freedom Act is vital, but its application must be precise. In Nigeria’s case, the designation misidentifies the problem and risks damaging a crucial partnership at a time when global security threats are escalating.

    Nigeria is not a state persecuting its own religious minorities. It is a state fighting for its survival against some of the world’s deadliest extremist organizations. Boko Haram, ISWAP, violent bandit networks, and other non-state armed groups have terrorized communities for over a decade, burning villages, abducting schoolchildren, attacking churches, mosques, and markets, and targeting Muslims, Christians, and anyone who refuses their ideology. These actors are not agents of Nigerian policy. They are enemies of the Nigerian state and of humanity.

    To understand why Nigeria’s CPC status is an error, it is useful to look at countries previously designated and later removed. Vietnam was removed after pursuing structured engagement with Washington. Iraq’s designation ended only after the fall of its repressive regime. Uzbekistan spent more than a decade under CPC status until it implemented sweeping religious reforms. Sudan emerged from the list following major political change and strong commitments to protect religious diversity. These cases share one feature: government-directed persecution. Nigeria does not fall into that category.

    The Nigerian government continues to invest enormous resources in fighting extremist and terrorist groups determined to fracture the country along religious lines. These groups kill Muslims in prayer, Christians in worship, travelers on highways, and farmers on their land. Their strategy is to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a battlefield. Despite real structural and operational challenges, Nigeria has taken meaningful steps, including large-scale military operations against terror groups. These actions reflect commitment, not complicity.

    Nigeria must also strengthen coordination on religious issues. A Presidential Envoy on Religion, working with a fully empowered interfaith advisory council, could help harmonize government responses, reduce tensions, and more clearly communicate Nigeria’s efforts to international partners. This role should leverage the influence of prominent religious leaders who can help reduce tension, counter extremist narratives, and build trust across communities. A coordinated national framework is essential in a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria.

    To correct misperceptions and build stronger partnerships, the Nigerian government should pursue several strategic steps immediately. It should send a high-level delegation to Washington that includes respected religious leaders, especially Christian leaders from northern Nigeria. Such a delegation would brief United States officials, lawmakers, and think tanks on the realities on the ground, counter misleading narratives, and demonstrate unity across Nigeria’s religious spectrum. Nigeria should engage directly with international religious freedom institutions, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and the Office of International Religious Freedom at the State Department. These meetings would strengthen Nigeria’s case and establish permanent channels for dialogue.

    The government should also invite bipartisan United States Congressional delegations to visit Nigeria. Seeing affected communities firsthand, including churches rebuilt, mosques attacked, and families displaced, helps United States lawmakers understand that the threat Nigeria faces is terrorism, not state-sponsored persecution. At the same time, Nigeria should use this moment to reset broader United States and Nigeria economic and development cooperation. Having lived in the Washington area for over 20 years, multiple sources across Washington have voiced concerns to me about the sharp decline in United States business engagement in Nigeria. This diplomatic moment can and should be leveraged to revive trade, investment, and development initiatives. Greater economic cooperation strengthens stability, reduces extremist recruitment, and benefits both nations.

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    Nigeria is a longstanding strategic partner of the United States, but the complexity of today’s security landscape, from Sahelian insurgencies to arms trafficking and climate-driven displacement, requires deeper collaboration, not punitive labels. Nigeria needs the United States to work closely with its security agencies to help eradicate terrorist threats by expanding intelligence cooperation, providing advanced counterterrorism training and equipment, supporting justice sector and police reforms, assisting displaced and traumatized communities, and implementing joint programs that promote interfaith dialogue and community peacebuilding. Helping Nigeria succeed is not charity. It is strategic. A stable Nigeria anchors West Africa, strengthens global counterterrorism defenses, and supports international economic stability.

    CPC status should target governments that persecute their own people, not governments fighting extremist forces determined to destroy religious coexistence. Nigeria’s situation demands nuance, accuracy, and partnership. By sending a unified interfaith delegation to Washington, welcoming United States lawmakers to Nigeria, strengthening direct engagement with religious freedom institutions, and revitalizing trade and development ties, Nigeria can reset the narrative and chart a more constructive path forward.

    The United States should reassess Nigeria’s designation with clear-eyed realism. Nigeria is not the problem. Nigeria is a frontline nation confronting a global threat, and the world, especially the United States, should stand with it.

    •Soneye, previously served as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPC Ltd

  • Abuja writers pay courtesy visit to U.S. ambassador, donate books

    Abuja writers pay courtesy visit to U.S. ambassador, donate books

    As part of its ongoing efforts to extend its impact within the Abuja community, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Richard Mills Jr.

    The visit, which took place at the official residence of the Ambassador, was led by Chukwudi Eze, Chairman of ANA Abuja. He was accompanied by Professor Razinat Mohammed of the University of Abuja and the Chapter Secretary, Qasim Uthman. The delegation engaged the ambassador in lively conversations over tea, on issues such as the importance of the theatre and the written and spoken word in shaping human progress.

    Eze informed the ambassador about the legacy and dynamic position of the Association of Nigerian Authors within the global literary space. He said that ANA was founded in 1981 by eminent Nigerian scholars, led by the late literary giant Chinua Achebe, and that it is Africa’s foremost literary body. He emphasized ANA’s eminent reach, citing Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Professor Femi Osofisan, and many other renowned writers who have contributed immensely to global literature.

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    In his response, Ambassador Mills expressed admiration for Nigeria’s dynamic literary space. He lauded ANA’s commitment to promoting a love for literature, advancing creative expressions, and using storytelling as a tool for cross-cultural understanding and human progress; particularly in the areas of youth engagement and gender inclusivity. He also stressed the importance of literature to transcend borders and enhance global conversations around shared values.

    Reflecting further on ANA Abuja’s journey so far, Eze noted that the chapter had consistently provided platforms for literary dialogue, including hosting readings, workshops, and collaborations, which had helped individuals to get published. The chapter, he said, had welcomed eminent literary figures as guest authors to its monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue events, including the renowned poet, Odia Ofeimun; US-based scholar, Professor Tanure Ojaide; and even former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He told him that ANA Abuja had also featured other prominent voices in Nigerian literature, like Dike Chukwumerije, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, and the prodigious thirteen years old, Adelaja twins.

    At the end of their visit, the ANA chairman presented the ambassador a gift of books authored by ANA Abuja members.

  • U.S. embassy to Nigerian students: your visa may be revoked for skipping classes, others

    U.S. embassy to Nigerian students: your visa may be revoked for skipping classes, others

    The United States embassy has warned that visas of Nigerian students who drop out of school or abandon their programme of study in the U.S. may be revoked.

    In a statement issued via X yesterday, the embassy urged students to follow the terms of their visas.

    “If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programme of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the statement reads.

    “Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues.”

    According to a notice on the embassy’s website, F-1 and M-1 students studying in the United States must attend all classes and maintain normal academic progress.

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     “Maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full time, contact your DSO immediately. You may be eligible for a reduced course load in limited circumstances,” the notice reads.

    Speak to your DSO before dropping a class. Talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension if you do not think you will complete your program of study by the end date listed on your Form I-20. An extension must be requested before your program end date.”

    The U.S. has given several warnings and precautions to visa applicants in recent times.

    Last month, the embassy issued a statement warning that visa applicants who present fake documents would face a permanent entry ban from the U.S.

    “Those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life,” the statement reads.

    “A nation without borders is not a nation.”

  • No more anchor babies

    No more anchor babies

    U.S. policy against birth tourism is a call to positive action

    As part of its tightening immigration rules, the United States has pulled the brakes on Nigerians coming on its soil to give birth just so to get American citizenship for their babies. The United States Mission in Nigeria warned that any visa applicant found to be travelling primarily to give birth in the U.S. to secure citizenship for their child will be denied entry.

    In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle @USinNigeria, hashtagged #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa, the mission advised that consular officials would deny visa applications if they suspect the applicant’s primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States.

     “Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the post read. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” it added.

    The message was accompanied with an image graphically affirming the new policy: “We will deny you visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to get U.S. citizenship for your child. This is not permitted,” the post read. 

    Birth tourism is a pastime of the Nigerian elite whereby those who could afford it travel to the U.S. close to their expected delivery date to give birth on U.S. soil, so the babies are reckoned as American citizens.

    This is in light of the Fourteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship to people born in the United States and territories “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” – including the 50 states, other designated territories and territorial waters, foreign ships in U.S. internal waters, airspace above U.S. land, internal waters and territorial seas.

    For more than a century, anyone born on U.S. soil has automatically been conferred citizenship at birth regardless of their parents’ immigration or citizenship status.

    The administration of incumbent President Donald Trump has, however, been cracking down on immigration and imposing stricter rules of citizenship and residency in the United States. It has slammed in travel bans, upscaled eligibility for visa access, jerked up visa fees and expanded checks on applicants’ social media profile.

    The administration voiced concern over exploitation of U.S. birthright citizenship law, saying such undermined the integrity of its immigration system.

    An obvious goal of the new policy announced by the U.S. mission is curbing birth tourism. Before the mission’s announcement, President Trump had given indication of his intention to scrap automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents. But U.S. courts ruled that the policy direction violated the Fourteenth Amendment.

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    Meanwhile, the “big beautiful bill” recently enacted into law in the United States expanded hurdles facing Nigerians and citizens of other countries seeking entry into that country. Among other things, the legislation stipulates a $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ before foreigners are granted entry. This new fee is in addition to other charges, including the standard visa application fee fixed at over $160 in Nigeria.

    The fee is mandatory for all visitors requiring non-immigrant visas to enter the United States, including tourists, business travellers and international students.

    We argue that the American authorities are entirely within their lawful remit in imposing restrictions on entry into their country. They laboured to make their country into what it is, and people attracted by the comforts and privileges America offers have the challenge to build their own country into what they are hankering after by way of immigration or tourism.

    Birth tourism to the U.S. is actually a shameless practice on the part of the Nigerian elite and a sad commentary on the sorry state of our own healthcare system and the economic situation in the country.

    Many Nigerians, apart from the elite,  who travel to the U.S. to have babies do so to secure the future of their children because they consider the conditions at home too harsh and unreliable to guarantee that.

    So, however we look at it, we need to work more on our health care system and the economy generally to stop the trend. Otherwise, we would continue to suffer the kind of embarrassment that we are going through in search of a more conducive environment, either to give birth or to relocate.

    Thankfully, many in the class of Nigerian citizens affected by the new U.S. policy are also those in position to repair the local health system and fix the economy. Whether the new American policy will stoke the right indignation and motivate them accordingly remains to be seen.

  • How US allegedly funds João Lourenço’s private empire

    How US allegedly funds João Lourenço’s private empire

    By Alexandre de Morais Filho

    Recently, a delegation from the United States Government, which participated in the 2025 U.S.–Africa Business Summit, visited the Carrinho Group Industrial Complex located in the municipality of Catumbela, in Benguela province. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the economic sector and evaluate investment opportunities. However, there may be another reason behind the visit.

    According to a report published by the German outlet ,Deutsche Welle, the Carrinho Group is essentially a pocket company of President João Lourenço. Officially, the group’s origin story is curious—it all began as a small bar in the city of Lobito, where Dona Leonor, an Angolan woman with a sharp business sense, sold drinks and meals. 

    The small bar quickly transformed into a vast agri-food empire, now boasting 17 processing plants for rice, wheat, and corn, as well as several facilities for refining edible oils. In a short time, the Carrinho Group built the largest storage infrastructure in Angola, with the capacity to hold 100,000 tons of cereals and 55,000 cubic meters of oilseed product tanks.

    There are strong rumours that the largest shareholder in the Carrinho company is none other than the President of the Republic of Angola himself, Mr. João Manuel GonçalvesLourenço. If confirmed, this raises serious questions about conflict of interest and unethical business practices. The company’s methods are questionable at best. Its field agents travel through communities on motorbikes, buying corn at extremely low prices without allowing any room for negotiation. This practice, often seen as a form of barter, places communities at a significant disadvantage.

    According to legal expert, Rui Verde, “It was the President himself” who personally inaugurated the first phase of the group’s massive industrial park in Benguela in November 2019. This has fuelled social media rumours suggesting that João Lourenço has “opaque and personal ties” to the company.

    Furthermore, José Gama, a journalist and director of the news portal, Club-K, has spent years trying to uncover the secrets behind Carrinho Group’s rapid rise. He argues that the company’s success is largely due to securing lucrative exclusive supply contracts with major firms such as the state oil company, Sonangol, the National Electricity Company (ENE), Brazilian giants Odebrecht and Camargo Corrêa, and even the National Police and the Armed Forces of Angola. These are deals that would clearly be in the interest of the head of state, João Lourenço.

    If these rumors turn out to be true, one could deduce that American investors may end up funding a deeply corrupt scheme in Angola a group engaged in unfair economic practices that harm small Angolan producers.

  • US-based police officer urges sweeping security reform

    US-based police officer urges sweeping security reform

    A United States-based Nigerian police officer, Monday Alade, has called for reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, citing systemic failures and a lack of strategy in tackling rising insecurity in the country.

    Alade, who serves in Maryland, United States, spoke via a video and advisory statement to President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly, governors, and security chiefs.

    He noted the worsening insecurity in parts of the country, especially in the North and Middle Belt, and proposed a roadmap to reposition security operations using modern surveillance and tactical response.

    Referencing a aerial surveillance operation by Baltimore City Police over Lake Clifton, Alade said the operation was not for show but a demonstration of proactive policing.

    “This was not a video for entertainment,” he said. “It is a wake-up call for Nigeria’s security chiefs. We must stop reacting after communities have been destroyed. We need to modernise our systems and act with foresight.”

    Alade, who holds a Master’s in Global Affairs and Human Security and a certificate in incident command management, decried the frequency of attacks in Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno. He condemned the lack of aerial surveillance, tactical response, or forensic investigation following mass kidnappings and killings.

    “How do you explain that schoolchildren are kidnapped, villages are razed, and citizens are murdered… yet no air surveillance, no ground pursuit, no tactical response, and no forensic probe?” he queried.

    Drawing comparisons between policing in U.S. and Nigeria, he said American cities deploy multi-agency responses, combining SWAT teams, K-9 units, thermal drones, and helicopters, to combat threats in real-time.

    According to him, the Baltimore aerial surveillance model offers a realistic blueprint Nigeria can adopt.

    He outlined how such operations enhance crime prevention by serving as a strong deterrent, as the presence and sound of helicopters often alter criminal behaviour.

    They also provide tactical support through live aerial feeds that enable real-time coordination with officers on the ground. Most critically, they enable rapid response, allowing security units to identify and intercept threats within minutes.

    To revamp Nigeria’s security landscape, Alade proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes the establishment of aerial surveillance units in all states, equipped with helicopters, drones, and night-vision technology.

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    He called for the creation of inter-agency fusion centres to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination among security bodies.

    He also recommended the deployment of mobile, airlift-capable tactical teams in high-risk areas to ensure swift intervention, and the implementation of AI-driven crime heat mapping systems to predict and prevent criminal activities.

    Additionally, he advocated for a National Airborne Law Enforcement Strategy (NALES) to ensure strategic aerial coverage nationwide, and urged authorities to strengthen local intelligence and community policing through technology-enabled anonymous reporting platforms and grassroots engagement.

    Alade noted that the problem was not merely a lack of weapons or personnel, but the absence of strategic thinking, coordination, and technology.

    “Security is not just about guns. It’s about doctrine, data, foresight, and training,” he said. “Nigerian officers are often under-equipped, deployed in the wrong places, or used for VIP protection while citizens die.”

    He stressed that his message should not be viewed as criticism but a patriotic contribution from someone with frontline tactical experience.

    “Nigeria does not lack courage. What it needs is coordination, commitment, and the political will to modernize,” he said. “If the security institutions are ready, those of us abroad with proven records are willing to help.”

    Challenging Nigerian leaders to act with urgency, he asked, “If cities and counties in the U.S. can do this, why can’t Abuja, Makurdi, Ondo, Edo, or Maiduguri?”

    He ended with a prayer: “May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • FG expresses concern over the U.S. new visa regime for Nigeria

    FG expresses concern over the U.S. new visa regime for Nigeria

    The federal government has expressed deep concern over the new United States’ visa policy for Nigeria.

    The new policy restricts visa applicants from Nigeria to three-month single-entry visas.

    The US argued that the decision, which took effect from Wednesday, 9 July 2025, was based on a reciprocity policy.

    But, the Nigerian government in a statement said the decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    The statement, which was signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged the US government to reverse its decision.

    The Ministry also assured Nigerians that diplomatic engagements are ongoing.

    Ebienfa also hinted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

    The statement reads, “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.

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    “The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    “Nigeria notes that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

    “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.”

  • US halts multiple entry visa for Nigerians, others

    US halts multiple entry visa for Nigerians, others

    The United States has announced a new visa regime for Nigeria and other countries.

    The new regime, according to a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja, is effective from Tuesday 8 July 2025.

    From then, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

    The change, the embassy said, is in line with its reciprocity policy.

    The new policy, the embassy however said, does not apply to those issued visa before July 8th 2025.

    The statement reads:”The United States Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.

    “Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

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    “Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

    “U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems. These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks. The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.

    “Examples of standard criteria include: Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.

    “Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.

    “The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger. We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices. We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.

    “Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date. The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. “We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries.”

  • Iranian official says U.S. must forgo more strikes for new talks

    Iranian official says U.S. must forgo more strikes for new talks

    Iran has made the resumption of talks with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme conditional on Washington refraining from further attacks, according to a BBC interview with Iran’s deputy foreign minister broadcast on Monday.

    Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the U.S. administration told Iran, via mediators, that it would like to return to talks, but the U.S. had “not made their position clear” on the “very important question” of whether it would launch more attacks.

    At the NATO summit last week, Trump announced new talks with Iran for this week but did not provide details.

    Recently, he ordered strikes on Iran’s heavily secured nuclear facilities.

    When asked on Friday whether he would order further bombings of Iran’s nuclear sites if concerns about Tehran’s uranium enrichment arose again, Trump said “without question, absolutely.”

    He reiterated that Iran must not have nuclear weapons and claimed the recent attacks had set the nuclear programme back by years.

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi, in an interview broadcast on Sunday, said Iran could resume enriching uranium within months.

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    Iran will insist on its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC, rejecting accusations that the country is secretly working on developing a nuclear bomb.

    He said since Iran had been “denied access to nuclear material” for its nuclear research programme, we had to “rely on ourselves.”

    He said the level and capacity of nuclear enrichment can be discussed “but to say that you should not have enrichment, you should have zero enrichment, and if you do not agree, we will bomb you – that is the law of the jungle.”

    (DPS/NAN)