FOLLOWING the re-scheduling of the 2019 general elections to Saturday, February 23, and March 9, the federal government of Nigeria has approved visa fee waiver for foreign observers who were in the country to monitor the polls.

Government has also ordered the shutdown of all the nation’s land borders from noon Friday, February 22 to noon on Sunday, February 24.

It directed individuals and organisations wishing to extend their stay or travel back to their countries and return for the next election to visit Nigeria Immigration Visa Desk at the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters, Abuja, for extension of their visas without charge.

Muhammad Babandede, the comptroller general of Immigration, said in a statement on Thursday that Abdulrahman Dambazau, minister of Interior, approved the visa fee waiver in view of the plight of the accredited observers and monitors.

“The desk officers will attend to those requiring extension of their visas issued gratis (without charges)”, the statement said.

“This provision became necessary to 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.”

The computroller general advised affected election observers and monitors to take advantage of the offer.

On the closure of borders, Babandede said the move is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days, urging the public  to take note and ensure compliance.

– Feb. 21, 2019 @ 02:20 GMT |