The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has confirmed that there is no visa ban on Nigerian passport holders, dispelling recent reports that have caused widespread concern.
On Thursday, allegations surfaced suggesting that Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates had revoked certain privileges for Nigerian passport holders, including visa-on-arrival, e-visa, and outright passport issues.
Clarification on Turkish Visa Policies
While Turkey no longer allows Nigerian passport holders to obtain e-visas—a process previously known for its convenience—the Turkish Embassy emphasized that there is no outright visa ban. Wunmi Evelyn, Personal Secretary to the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, addressed these concerns directly.
“There is no visa ban on Nigerian passport holders,” Evelyn stated. “As it is well-known, if there will be any update regarding rules and procedures of the policies and practices of any country, these updates are officially notified to the respective foreign ministries, and statements/announcements are issued by the embassies.”
Case-by-Case Visa Evaluation
Evelyn further explained that visa applications are assessed individually, addressing specific instances where applicants might have faced rejections.
“While every application is considered on a case-by-case basis, for an applicant who has previously been denied a visa—if there is no fraud or forged documents detected—they should correct the mistakes made in their initial application and try to improve the quality of their application.
Besides, they should update the documentation and refrain from supplying old versions of required supporting documents,” she added.
Nigeria’s Passport Ranking
These developments come in the wake of Nigeria’s passport being ranked among the world’s least powerful by the Henley Passport Index. In 2023, Nigeria was ranked 90th globally, offering visa-free admission to only 46 out of 227 destinations.
Nigeria’s passport is the fifth-worst in Africa, tied with South Sudan, and only ahead of Congo, Eritrea, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia.
Awaiting Official Statement from Foreign Ministry
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. The Ministry’s silence has left many Nigerians seeking clarity amid the circulating reports.
While the recent policy changes by Turkey may have altered the e-visa process for Nigerian passport holders, the Turkish Embassy’s clarification provides some reassurance. Visa applications will continue to be evaluated on an individual basis, and applicants are encouraged to ensure their documentation is current and accurate.
As Nigerians await further statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the hope remains that clearer guidelines and updates will soon be provided to address these pressing concerns.
