The Federal Government has granted a visa-free waiver for foreign accredited election observers and monitors for the 2019 general elections.
Controller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, Muhammad Babandede in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, said the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau gave the approval for the waiver.
The statement read: “Sequel to the rescheduling of the 2019 general elections to 23rd February and 9th March 2019 and considering the plight of accredited election observers and monitors who were caught-up by the re-scheduled election, the Honorable Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau has approved a visa-free waiver.
“All affected individuals and organisations wishing to extend their stay or travel back to their countries and return for the next election are advised to visit Nigeria Immigration Visa Desk at the INEC Headquarters.”
While emphasizing that no fee is to be paid for the process, the minister said: “The desk officers will attend to those requiring extension of their visa issued Gratis (No Fee Charge). 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. All the affected election observers and monitors are to take advantage and note.”
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