Nigerians Will Not Pay For Visa In Dollars And Pounds..FG

 

Nigeria has rejected the payment for visa and other consular charges in foreign currencies, as introduced by some diplomatic and consular missions.

The British High Commission in Abuja recently announced that applications for United Kingdom visa must be done online, including payment in US dollars.

A statement by its Political and Press & Public Affairs Officer, Rob Fitzpatrick, said payment could be made using Verve debit card, Visa, MasterCard or the e-wallet PAGA.

The move to online application and payments, Fitzpatrick argued, would deliver a streamlined application process consistent with a global trend on online transactions and payments, which helps to cut costs and brings visa fees down.

But the Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, said the decision was unacceptable.

Onwuliri spoke yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the diplomatic corps on the planned one-day summit-level conference to mark Nigeria’s centenary.

She said charging fees in foreign currencies was illegal and a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The minister said: “I would like to raise an issue of concern to the Federal Government. It has come to our notice that some diplomatic and consular missions in Nigeria charge visa and other consular fees in foreign currencies. This is unacceptable and must be stopped.

“Charging fees in foreign currencies is illegal and violates the sovereignty of Nigeria. No self-respecting nation can accept such assault on the symbol of its nationhood.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s 100 years of existence, Onwuliri said the celebration was an opportunity for Nigerians to come together and reflect.