FG grants visa fee waiver to observers ahead of rescheduled election
The Federal Government has approved a visa fee waiver for election observers who will be monitoring the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly election which was rescheduled to February 23.
After going through some difficulties with the impromptu manner that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC canceled the election that was expected to hold on February 16, there were burning questions on whether the observers will go home and return later for the election or extend their stay in Nigeria.
The Federal government had informed the individual observers and organizations who wish to extend their stay or travel back to their countries to visit the Nigeria Immigration Visa Desk at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, to extend their visas at no additional cost.
A statement issued by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede on Thursday further reiterated the offer, stating that the Minister of Interior Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.) has approved the visa fee waiver as a form of amelioration for the postponed election.
He also added that the Desk Officers at the immigrations office will grant visa extension to Observers and Monitors who need need it, without any charge
This he said will “afford those affected the opportunity to travel out or return without violating the Immigration provisions that relate to entry and exit with valid visa and document.”
