HOR Frowns At Ban Of Nigerian Passport By Seychelles

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the ban of Nigerian passport by the Government of Republic of Seychelles.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by a member from Lagos State, Mr. Ademorin Kuye who called for the members intervention.

In his lead debate, Mr. Kuye explained that the recent ban on Nigerian passport holders by the Government of the Republic of Seychelles is antithetical to the spirit of African Unionism and the AU’s Agenda 2063’s integration goals that have been domesticated by both countries.

The Lawmaker who noted that Nigeria had a longstanding visa-free agreement with the country, which allows Nigerians free entry without a visa for 30 days expressed concerned about Nigeria’s image abroad as more countries flagging and banning the use of Nigerian passports at their entry ports.

To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs (when constituted) to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the Seychelles ban and come up with recommendations for diplomatic solutions within the next 2 weeks.

The House also mandated the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work out a foreign policy strategy to restore the country’s image abroad.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji