Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has claimed that the recent visa restrictions imposed on Nigeria by the United States under President Donald Trump stem from Nigeria’s failure to decisively confront terrorism and its sponsors.
Frank made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday. Reacting to the development, Frank praised President Trump and members of the U.S. Congress for taking steps aimed at curbing terror financing linked to Nigeria, saying the move has increased pressure on Nigerian authorities to handle insecurity issues with greater transparency.
He described the U.S. action as “a welcome development” and an indication of Washington’s commitment to strengthening global security.
According to Frank, the visa restrictions amount to significant international pressure, which he believes has compelled Nigerian authorities to revisit long-standing concerns surrounding terror financing.
He also criticised the Nigerian government for failing to release the names of terror financiers allegedly identified by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in previous investigations, alleging that political interference has stalled efforts to identify and prosecute those involved.
Frank argued that corruption and political interests have continued to weaken Nigeria’s response to escalating insecurity, despite the country’s capacity to address the problem.
He further urged the U.S. government to exercise caution in sharing intelligence with Nigerian authorities until there is full public disclosure of the alleged list of terror sponsors and firm assurances of accountability.
“Let it be clearly stated: if President Trump had not stepped in, Nigeria’s leaders would still be looking the other way,” Frank said.
“Their intervention has exposed what our own leaders have refused to confront and has given Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can end.”
Politics Nigeria earlier reported that the U.S. government introduced a new policy targeting terrorism financiers and sympathisers in Nigeria with strict visa restrictions.