The House of Representatives has expressed strong disapproval of the cancellation of visas for 264 Nigerian citizens upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia on November 13, 2023.
This condemnable act prompted the House of Representatives to call upon the Federal Government to urgently take diplomatic measures to safeguard the nation’s image, ensure the full implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), protect Nigerian carriers operating in Saudi Arabia, and safeguard the interests of Nigerian travelers.
In response to this incident, the House of Representatives mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Pilgrims Affairs to investigate the immediate and underlying circumstances surrounding the cancellation of visas for the 264 Nigerians who arrived in Jeddah aboard Air Peace. The committees are expected to provide a report within two weeks.
Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, Hon. Olumide Osoba, Hon. Makki Yalleman, and Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe brought forward this motion, shedding light on the distressing situation in which Saudi Arabian authorities nullified the visas of passengers screened through the Advanced Passengers Pre-screening System (APPS) before their departure from Nigeria. The motion voiced concern about the absence of clarity regarding the authorization of visa cancellations, despite the Nigerian Embassy’s intervention in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, it emphasized the economic implications for Nigerian carriers, particularly Air Peace, which has been offering cost-effective flight services to Saudi Arabia. The motion raised apprehensions about a potential attempt to force Nigerian operators out of the route, posing a threat to Nigeria’s foreign exchange conservation efforts.
The motion underscored the violation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that such actions are detrimental to the established diplomatic relations. Notably, this incident occurred during the state visit of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to Saudi Arabia, adding a layer of diplomatic concern to the unfortunate event.
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