The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria-US relations remain intact regardless of visa decisions on individuals.
The Minister made the statement on Arise Television, as monitored by DAILY POST, noting that visas are the prerogative of every country.
He was responding to questions on the US visa restrictions announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targeting individuals linked to alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
DAILY POST recalls that the US government on Wednesday announced visa restrictions targeting Nigerians involved in funding or supporting genocide against Christians in the country.
According to the Minister, Nigeria and the United States continue to maintain normal diplomatic relations and are working closely to resolve any challenges.
“Issues of visas are prerogatives of every nation. I mean, the American government, or any other government, Nigerian government, anybody, any country, has its own visa policy, which it reviews from time to time.
“Maybe you’re asking that question. You know, given the background of the recent tensions we have had, let me say that government to government, Nigeria and the United States are still working closely to find solutions wherever there are grey areas or challenges to be addressed, and the Government of Nigeria is committed, open, and engaging the United States to sort out whatever areas need to be resolved in terms of some of those diplomatic tensions that have been created.
“But we still have normal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, and we are working perfectly together to ensure that we continue to advance the mutual interests of both countries,” he said.