The Africans in Diaspora Development Union (AFRIDU) has requested the support of the Federal Ministry of Interior to secure citizenship rights and visas on arrival for its members.
This was stated during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Wednesday, where the Union’s Diplomatic Administrator, Dr. Onwubuya Abraham, sought the ministry’s assistance in facilitating the approval of citizenship rights and visas on arrival for Nigerians in the diaspora.
Dr. Abraham also requested the minister’s help in easing the entry process for the events’ participants by establishing a dedicated portal at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) desk for AFRIDU as this would allow members to receive visas on arrival efficiently ahead of its inaugural event in October.
According to him, the participants are expected to arrive from their various locations between September 27 and September 30, 2024.
Dr. Abraham made the request to the Minister of Interior saying,
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo promised to consider AFRIDU’s request, noting that it is a constitutional matter, and would consult legal experts to thoroughly review their request.
He expressed his willingness to collaborate within the bounds of the law. For matters requiring amendment, he suggested that AFRIDU work with the National Assembly, as the ministry only executes laws made by the legislative body.
Tunji-Ojo noted that AFRIDU could make significant contributions to the nation’s development and praised their efforts thus far.