House of Representatives Summon Foreign Affairs Minister Over Visa Policy
House of Representatives Summon Foreign Affairs Minister Over Visa Policy
The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to appear before it on Wednesday to discuss matters of national significance.
In a letter dated July 11, 2025, and signed by the committee chairman, Oluwole Oke, the committee invoked its constitutional and legislative authority to seek accountability and oversight from any ministry, department, or government agency.
The letter, sent through the ministry’s Liaison Office at the National Assembly, outlined five key issues requiring urgent attention.
Among the most pressing concerns raised by the lawmakers is the recent alteration in the United States visa policy affecting Nigerian citizens.
Although the nature of the policy change was not specified in the letter, the development is deemed significant enough to warrant the minister’s explanation before the committee.
Among other issues raised is the “allegation of illegal posting to foreign missions of Directors with less than three to six months to their retirement,” which the committee considers a serious breach of administrative procedure and a waste of limited diplomatic resources.
The committee is also demanding explanations on the “optimisation of finance ministry assets in foreign missions,” a matter believed to relate to financial prudence and the effective utilisation of public properties abroad.
The committee is requesting a comprehensive update on the “digitisation of the finance ministry and missions providing consular services, including the integration of these platforms with systems from other agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service.”
Additionally, the committee seeks details on the “most recent disbursements to missions, accompanied by supporting documentation,” as part of efforts to promote transparency and fiscal accountability within the foreign service.
The letter directs the minister to “submit a detailed briefing note by Tuesday, 15 July 2025, and to appear before the committee on 16 July 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 4.32, House of Representatives Building, National Assembly Complex, New Wing, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.”
Furthermore, the committee requests “10 printed copies and a digital version of the briefing note” to facilitate members’ review ahead of the session.
“The invitation underscores the committee’s dedication to legislative oversight, as mandated by Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the standing orders of the House of Representatives, and Section 2 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017.
“As Nigeria continues to face complex diplomatic, administrative, and consular challenges on the international stage, this committee’s actions are being closely monitored by stakeholders both within and outside the foreign service,” the letter stated.
