Reps 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 over matters of national importance.

In a letter dated July 11, 2025, signed by the Chairman, Oluwole Oke, the committee cited its constitutional and legislative powers to demand accountability and oversight from any ministry, department or agency of government.

The letter, routed through the ministry’s Liaison Office at the National Assembly, pointed out five key concerns that necessitated urgent briefing.

One of the most urgent concerns highlighted by the lawmakers is the recent change in visa policy for Nigerians by the United States government.

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 seeking a detailed update on the “digitisation of finance ministry and missions providing consular services, vis-à-vis integration of the platforms and systems of other agencies, like Nigerian Immigration Service.”

The committee is also seeking information on the “latest disbursement to missions along with supporting documents,” in what appears to be part of efforts to enhance transparency and fiscal accountability in the foreign service.

The letter instructed the minister to “forward a detailed briefing note on or before Tuesday, 15 July 2025 and cause an appearance before the committee on 16 July 2025 at 11:00 am, at Room 4.32, House of Representatives Building, National Assembly Complex, New Wing, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.”

The committee is also requesting “10 copies and a soft copy of the briefing note” to aid members’ review ahead of the meeting.

“The invitation reflects the committee’s commitment to legislative oversight, as empowered under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered), the standing rules of the House of Representatives, and Section 2 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017.

“As Nigeria continues to navigate complex diplomatic, administrative, and consular challenges on the global stage, the committee’s move is being closely watched by stakeholders within and outside the foreign service establishment,” the letter read.