FG Criticizes US Travel Advisory, Citing Potential Panic and Economic Impact

• The Nigerian government strongly criticizes the recent US travel advisory, emphasizing its extensive security measures for tourists’ safety
• The government highlights economic interventions, security efforts, and national orientation campaigns aimed at fostering unity and patriotism among Nigerians

The federal government of Nigeria has strongly criticized a recent travel advisory issued by the United States of America to its citizens in Nigeria. The advisory warned of “elevated threats” to major hotels in the country’s “larger cities.” However, it also acknowledged that Nigerian security agencies were working to address the threat.

During a press briefing with editors in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed concerns that such an advisory could create unnecessary panic and have adverse economic impacts. He emphasized that the government had taken extensive security measures at both federal and state levels to ensure the safety of tourists and international visitors.

Idris stated that these measures included intense intelligence gathering, the acquisition and deployment of additional security resources, personnel training and re-training, and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to maintain a secure environment.

The minister also addressed the government’s response to removing the oil subsidy, highlighting various economic interventions. This included a wage increment of N35,000 monthly for six months to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation, the launch of a N100 billion CNG bus rollout program, and the establishment of a presidential committee to oversee its implementation. Additionally, the government is finalizing the process for the payment of a monthly cash transfer of N25,000 to 15 million of the poorest and most vulnerable households in Nigeria for three months. Measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians also included the release of 200,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and the FCT.

Regarding insecurity, Idris highlighted the continuous efforts of security agencies to ensure citizens’ safety. He mentioned successful operations against bandits in Kaduna State and the rescue of two kidnapped corps members in Katsina State. A joint operation in Kano State also prevented an imminent attack by insurgents and recovered weapons and explosives.

In the North-East and North-West regions, the Nigerian Air Force conducted successful airstrikes on bandits’ and terrorists’ camps and hideouts in Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno states. Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force received four new aircraft to strengthen the fight against banditry and terrorism.

In the maritime environment, the Eastern and Central Naval Commands initiated a Joint Sea Exercise called “Exercise SEA GUARDIAN 2023” on October 25.

Regarding national orientation, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is working to implement a sustained mass reorientation campaign to foster unity, and patriotism, and promoting positive cultural values among Nigerians. The government encourages a collective reorientation towards a stronger sense of national identity and shared values among its citizens.