Reps Summons Foreign Affairs Minister, Tuggar Over New U.S Visa Restrictions On Nigerians

The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has asked Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar to appear before it on Wednesday, July 16, to address several pressing national concerns.

In a letter dated July 11 and signed by the committee chairman, Oluwole Oke, the lawmakers said they are exercising their constitutional powers to ensure transparency and accountability from government ministries and agencies.

The letter, sent through the ministry’s liaison office at the National Assembly, listed five major issues the committee wants the minister to explain.

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

While the letter didn’t go into details about the new restrictions, lawmakers said the development is serious enough to require a direct briefing.

Another key issue is the  “allegation of illegal posting to foreign missions of Directors with less than three to six months to their retirement,” which the lawmakers described as wasteful and goes against proper administrative procedures.

The committee is also looking into how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is managing public assets in Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad, particularly with regard to financial efficiency.

Th lawmakers want 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,” which aims o promote transparency and ensure public funds are being used appropriately.

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.

KanyiDaily recalls that Yusuf Tuggar recently revealed that President Donald Trump is pressurizing Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees from the United States.