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Qatar Bans Solo Travel for Nigerian Men Under New Visa Restrictions

By Kamal Yalwa: DOHA, QATAR – September 10, 2025Qatar has implemented a new visa policy barring Nigerian men from entering the country alone on tourist or transit visas, a move officials say is intended to reduce visa overstays but which has sparked criticism and concern among travellers and observers. The restrictions, introduced quietly by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior around September 5, apply to both new and pending visa applications. Under the new rules, only women and family units are eligible for tourist or transit visas, effectively excluding men travelling alone unless they are accompanied by family members. In addition to travel companionship requirements, applicants must now provide proof of return transfers and confirm accommodation in five-star hotels before their visa applications will be processed—further tightening entry conditions. The decision has raised alarm among Nigerian travellers, particularly male business professionals, students, and those using Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe. “This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” a travel industry source told Vanguard. Qatar has defended the policy as necessary to prevent illegal stays, a concern that has led to similar measures in the past. However, analysts warn that the latest restrictions may strain diplomatic ties and disrupt economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations. This is not the first time visa rules have led to friction. In 2019, former Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatari authorities to ease entry restrictions for Nigerians. More recently, in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika publicly urged for more equitable treatment of Nigerian travellers. Compared to previous entry requirements, the current measures are viewed as particularly severe and targeted, with male travellers disproportionately affected. Many are now faced with the prospect of cancelling trips or reconfiguring travel plans under more costly and complex arrangements. As of now, no official response has been issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but calls for diplomatic engagement are expected to grow in the coming days.

US Warns Nigerian Students of Visa Revocation Over Academic Violations

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The United States government has issued a strong warning to Nigerian students and other international students in the country, cautioning them against violating the conditions of their student visas. In an advisory shared on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the US Mission in Nigeria emphasized that students who drop out, miss classes, or abandon their academic programmes without formally notifying their institutions risk having their visas revoked. The mission further warned that such violations could jeopardize eligibility for future US visas, regardless of the visa category. “If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programmes of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future US visas,” the advisory stated. Students were strongly advised to adhere strictly to the terms of their visa and maintain active academic status throughout their stay in the United States to avoid immigration-related issues. The warning serves as a reminder to thousands of Nigerian students currently enrolled in US institutions to remain compliant with visa regulations, especially as the new academic year approaches.

One Year After Deadly Protests, Amnesty International Slams Nigerian Government Over Lack of Accountability

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 2, 2025 | Abuja One year after security forces reportedly killed at least 24 protesters during nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship, Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government’s continued failure to ensure justice and accountability. The human rights watchdog, in a statement issued on Friday to mark the anniversary of the 2024 protests, accused Nigerian police of denying well-documented allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, and unlawful arrests. “Despite the gravity of these human rights violations, not a single member of the security forces has been prosecuted,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Accountability remains elusive for the 24 peaceful protesters killed in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger and Kaduna states. Those behind these atrocities must be held to account.” The protests, which began in early August 2024 under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, were sparked by growing public anger over soaring fuel prices and runaway inflation, largely triggered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and floating of the naira. Amnesty said its investigations confirmed that police fired live ammunition at close range—often targeting the head and torso—indicating a clear “shoot-to-kill” approach. The organisation also raised alarm over the “sham trials” of hundreds of protesters arrested during and after the demonstrations. Many of the arrested face charges ranging from inciting mutiny to calling for a military takeover and using WhatsApp to “levy war against the state.” Some were reportedly charged for chanting slogans such as “Tinubu must go.” “The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” Sanusi said, while also accusing the government of continuing mass surveillance, intimidation, and arbitrary detention of protesters. Though some detainees—many of them minors—were released by presidential order following public outcry in late 2024, over 700 people still face trial. The Ministry of Justice did not respond to AFP’s request for comment on the allegations. While President Tinubu’s economic reforms have been hailed by some international observers as necessary for long-term growth, the short-term effects have devastated millions of Nigerians, pushing many into poverty and prompting widespread unrest. Amnesty reiterated its call for full investigations, transparent prosecutions, and compensation for victims’ families.

Nigerian Man Loses Fingers to Frostbite While Fleeing US Deportation to Canada

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Chidi Nwagbo, a 57-year-old Nigerian man facing deportation from the United States, has recounted how he lost several fingers to frostbite while attempting to cross into Canada with the help of human smugglers. Nwagbo, who has lived in the US since 1988, said he felt compelled to flee after Donald Trump’s re-election in November. In February, he paid $2,000 to smugglers in New Jersey, who promised him safe passage to Canada through the snowy borderlands between New York and Quebec. The journey, however, turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Nwagbo and other migrants, including women and a baby, were forced to trek through deep snow in freezing temperatures as low as -28°C. He lost his gloves along the way, and frostbite later led to the amputation of multiple fingers. “It was supposed to be a 30 to 40 minutes walk. These people (smugglers) kept calling, saying, ‘Just keep going, you only have 10 minutes,’” Nwagbo recalled. Nwagbo and 98 other migrants were eventually intercepted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the Quebec-US border. He now regrets his decision, warning others against using smugglers: “Don’t do it. Smugglers only care about money. They don’t care about your safety.”

Nigerian Arrested in India for ₦214m Drug Trafficking

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Bengaluru, India – Barely a week after a Nigerian hairstylist, Ifeoluwa Akinwunmi, was arrested in India with drugs worth over ₦1.8 billion, another Nigerian national has been apprehended for a similar offence. The suspect, identified as Chikuwuma, was arrested by operatives of Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) during a raid in the Avalahalli area of northern Bengaluru. Officials said the narcotics seized were valued at Rs 1.2 crore (approximately ₦214 million). According to India Today, Chikuwuma was caught in the act of selling narcotics and is believed to be part of a wider international trafficking network. The raid, conducted by the CCB Narcotics Wing, resulted in the recovery of MDMA and crystal substances. Police sources disclosed that Chikuwuma had allegedly been involved in drug trafficking since 2013, importing narcotics from overseas and distributing them across Bengaluru, especially in its outskirts. Authorities confirmed that the suspect is under custody as investigations continue to uncover others linked to the syndicate. The latest arrest adds to the growing list of Nigerians facing prosecution in India for drug-related offences

Over 70% of Nigerian Shipments to U.S. Rejected or Delayed Amid New Tariff Policy

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Since the enforcement of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy—particularly targeting imports from Africa—over 70% of shipments sent from Nigeria to the United States via air cargo have been either refused entry or placed on indefinite hold. Ini Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer at AAJ Express Logistics Limited, disclosed this on Tuesday, highlighting the severe disruption the policy has caused. He noted that the delays have created major setbacks for Nigerian exporters and importers operating in the U.S. market. “Nigerian exporters are facing unprecedented challenges following the full implementation of Trump’s tariff regulations on April 2, 2025,” Daniel said. “Cargo and courier companies are struggling with clearance, creating a crisis for exporters trying to meet demands in the U.S.” The aviation sector has also been hit hard, with airlines reportedly offering steep discounts or even free returns due to the growing backlog of undelivered goods. Exporters, meanwhile, remain in the dark as U.S. customs officials have yet to provide clear reasons for the shipment rejections. Daniel emphasized that Nigeria is not alone in this dilemma—exporters from China, Europe, and other African nations are also being impacted. In light of the uncertainty, he advised Nigerian exporters to temporarily halt shipments to the U.S. until customs authorities issue clearer guidelines. Exporters now anxiously await clarification and a resolution that could restore smooth trade with the U.S. market.