- Nigerian government probes the cancellation of visas for 264 passengers on Air Peace flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Investigation aims to determine if consular or aviation rules were violated; Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures citizens’ welfare
The Nigerian government announced on Monday that it is probing the cancellation of visas for all 264 passengers who flew from Lagos and Kano to Jeddah on an Air Peace flight on Sunday. The Saudi Arabian authorities denied entry to these Nigerian citizens upon arrival.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is conducting an investigation to determine whether any consular or aviation rules were violated. Alkasim Abdulkadir, a media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated in a press release on Monday that the government is looking into the matter.
“Nigeria has just participated in the Saudi-Africa Summit where bilateral discussions covering several sectors of the economy and mutually beneficial commitments were made. The Ministry will ensure such actions that impact the welfare of Nigerian citizens are mitigated in the future in line with the 4 Ds strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement noted.
The Air Peace flight departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, transiting through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano before reaching King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, upon arrival, Saudi authorities unexpectedly announced the cancellation of all passengers’ visas.
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Despite the passengers undergoing the Advanced Passengers Information System (APIS) during check-in in Nigeria, which was monitored by Saudi authorities, their entry was denied. After the Nigerian embassy intervened, the Saudi authorities reduced the number of passengers set to be returned from 264 to 177.
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