The Federal Government on Tuesday said it was not yet aware of the decision of the British Government to commence the implementation of a compulsory deposit of 3,000 pounds in November before issuing visas to citizens from Nigeria and some other countries.
A statement on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the report remains that of the media as it was yet to be officially briefed by the British Government.
The statement, signed by Ogbole Amedu Ode, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, said the Nigerian Government was yet to get a final decision on the issue, which became public some months ago.
The statement reads: “Media reports in Nigeria yesterday 29th July, 2013, indicated that the UK Government will begin to implement from November, 2013, the 3,000 Pounds Sterling ‘’cash bond’’ for first-time visa applicants from Nigeria, and five other Commonwealth countries. The other countries are India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These media reports themselves were quoting the Financial Times of London.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to receive any official communication on the final decision of the UK government on this matter. The Federal Government of Nigeria has already conveyed its objection to the Bond payment to the UK government, when the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, MFR, summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock, to the Tafawa Balewa House, on 25th June, 2013. If and when a communication to that effect is received, the Federal Government of Nigeria will take appropriate steps to reflect its national interest.”
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