FG Rejects Use Of Foreign Currency For Visa Payment

PROF. VIOLA ONWULIRI

The Nigerian government has resisted the policy by some consular missions which makes it mandatory for applicants to make payment for visa and consular charges in foreign currency rather than the local currency – Naira.

Speaking on Thursday at a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps on the planned one day summit-level conference to mark Nigeria’s centenary anniversary celebration, Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri said it the policy is not only unacceptable but violates the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

She said: “I would like to raise an issue of deep concern to the federal government. It has come to our notice that some diplomatic and consular missions in Nigeria are to charge visa and other consular fees in foreign currencies. This is totally unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith”.

Mrs. Adaku argued that “charging fees in foreign currencies was an illegal act that violates the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” adding that “No self-respecting nation can accept such a flagrant assault on the symbol of its nationhood”.

It would be recalled that the British High Commission in Abuja recently announced that from December 16^th, all applications for a United Kingdom visa must be completed using the online application system and paid for online in US Dollars.

On the centenary celebrations, the supervising minister said it provides a special opportunity to rejoice and reflect on the journey so far, reposition the country for national transformation in order to realize its potentials for future growth and development.