•House investigates cancellation of visas granted 264 Nigerians by Saudi Arabia

The Nigerian government has revealed that 18 of the 177 passengers who were turned back by Saudi authorities on landing in Jeddah were outrightly banned from Saudi Arabia for various offences committed in the past.

The revelation came just as the House of Representatives yesterday, launched an investigation into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of already granted visas to 264 Nigerian on arrival at Jeddah aboard Air Peace.

However, the federal government said the reason for withdrawing the visa from the 159 others was yet unknown.

The revelation by the federal government was contained in a signed statement yesterday, by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Francisca Omayuli.

The statement read: “The attention of the federal government has been drawn to media reports on the cancellation of the visas and subsequent deportation of passengers airlifted from Nigeria on Sunday, 12th November, 2023 to Saudi Arabia.

“According to reports received from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 airlifted 264 passengers from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport and landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport – Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday, 13th November, 2023.

“It was on arrival at the Hajj Terminal that the Saudi Immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been cancelled. Consequently, 177 passengers were made to return on the same flight back to Nigeria. While 87 passengers were cleared by immigration and allowed entry into Jeddah.

“The Saudi authorities are yet to give reasons for the cancellation of the visas, except for 18 of the passengers who were outrightly banned from Saudi Arabia for various offences committed in the past.

“Notwithstanding the fact that it is the prerogative of a sovereign nation to determine who is permitted entry into its territory, Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are traditional and strategic partners, who are willing to guard against a reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident.

“In this regard, investigation is ongoing in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The affected passengers are therefore, implored to keep calm, while the matter is being resolved.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the matter.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved at plenary yesterday, by Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, and four others.

Presenting the motion Nkemkanma recalled that Saudi Arabian authorities cancelled the visa of all the 264 passengers airlifted by Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace on arrival at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Monday, 13th November, 2023.

The lawmaker noted that all the passengers went through the Advanced Passengers Pre-screening System, (APPS), which was also monitored live by the Saudi Arabia authorities before the flight left Nigeria;

He expressed worry that the Nigerian Embassy in Jeddah, even the Saudi immigration personnel could not locate who authorised the cancellation of the visas, even when the APPS which was live between both countries was concluded and the airline was already airborne to Jeddah.

Nkemkanma, said upon the intervention of Nigerian Embassy in Saudi, the authorities were said to have reduced the number of passengers that would be returned back to Nigeria from 264 to 170;

He observed that Saudi Air had been operating directly from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia and that Air Peace had been receiving high patronage and as a Nigerian carrier since it started flight service to the Saudi at relatively lower fares, thereby helping Nigeria to conserve foreign exchange.

The lawmaker expressed concern that stakeholders in the sector have attributed the development to aero-politics, stating that it could be a way to force the Nigerian operator out of the route.

He said the stakeholders were of the views that Nigerian carriers could actually be forced out of the route unless the government intervenes, probably using the principle of reciprocity;

Nkemkanma, pointed out that the action of Saudi authorities was an infringement on the letters and intendments of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia which is still in force;

He expressed worry that this unfortunate event and diplomatic slight on Nigeria happened even when the President Bola Tinubu is on a state visit to Saudi Arabia.

The House, therefore, condmned the embarrassing act of the cancellation of visas of 264 Nigerian on arrival at Saudi Arabia by the countries authorities on Monday, 13th November, 2023;

It urged the federal government of to as a matter of urgency take such diplomatic steps as might be necessary to protect the image of the nation, ensure the full implementation of the BASA, protect Nigerian national Carriers flying into Saudi Arabia and as well protect the Nigerian travelling public; and

It mandated the, “Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior and Pilgrims Affairs to inquire into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of already granted visas to 264 Nigerian on arrival at Jeddah aboard Air Peace and to report back within two weeks.”

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/11/15/fg-18-out-of-deported-saudi-arabia-passengers-have-criminal-records?amp=1

Nlfpmod

I really don't blame Saudi Arabia government for being circumspect in their allowance of Nigerians into their country because Nigeria has come to be known with evil.

Imagine allowing a drug stained man to become president and is even in their country on diplomatic mission, a common druggie and dealer who forfeited thousands of dollars from a drug bust operation.

The image of Nigeria has been completely stained and the country will Continue to suffer this embarrassing ordeal.

This is just the beginning, maybe next time all the passengers will be arrested and flogged mercilessly for electing a drug baron

Forget the criminal record face saving lies from Nigerian government propagandists.

Yoruba Muslims and criminal records are like 5 and 6

Seconded

successmatters:
Face saving lies, this government runs in propaganda.

Let us see their names
I don’t trust people from that side

All Nigerian politicians have criminal records

And how about the rest?

Saudi are not to be blame

Our people brought this upon themselves by commiting unnecessary crimes abroad especially the drug peddlers criminals from yeeeast side

Lies. How come Saudi embassy granted them visa when they had criminal records only to cancel the visa on arrival for having criminal records.

We await the outcome of the investigation

No country respect Nigeria. This happening when the president is in Saudi Arabia is a slap to his face. Time will come when Nigeria will be reckon with in the comity of nations and command great respect.

It is deeply embarrassing for Nigeria
First UAE banned Nigeria now Saudi is sending back our citizens they gave invite at the gate while Tinubu is in their country chasing "foreign investments". This looks like the UAE ban lift saga.
APC as a party is incompetence in live form
It is a party that has destroyed every little gain we've made since 1999. It's like a locust.

Why were they denied entry? Forget the 18 criminals and focus on the 159 without criminal records... don't scrape the bottom for excuses on behalf of Saudi Arabia!

Peacemaker5128:
Let us see their names
I don’t trust people from that side

People from that side that goes on hajj

They should have deported Oluwole tinubu The Godfather of all criminals in Nigeria

Ola9ja23:
Saudi are not to be blame

Our people brought this upon themselves by commiting unnecessary crimes abroad especially the drug peddlers criminals from yeeeast side

I believe the drug peddlers that is on the seat of power are more visible and causing Saudi to panic. How can a drug baron be a president and you want them to act as if everything is alright?

Ola9ja23:
Saudi are not to be blame

Our people brought this upon themselves by commiting unnecessary crimes abroad especially the drug peddlers criminals from yeeeast side

This is a daft statement. I suggest you delete it.

How did Tinubu who has had dealings with drugs in the past enter the same country?

You might be right though. The Saudis might think just because we let one of you with a drugs past in does not mean the rest of you get to go in.

They should finish their investigations and give us comprehensive information before we conclude. Nice job by the HOR.
Check my signature for free stuffs!

Urheadmaster:


Yoruba Muslims and criminal records are like 5 and 6

Don't be daft pls
How do you know that are Yoruba Muslims when the plane took off from Kano
Let your brain work at all times that you're typing 🧠 🐖

It doesn't matter where the plane took off.


Yoruba Muslims are everywhere home and abroad

Kukutente23:

Don't be daft pls
How do you know that are Yoruba Muslims when the plane took off from Kano

Nigeria's image has been bastardised by political crooks, drugs dealers, financial fraudsters, terrorists etc.

South Arabia were being proactive and laud them for their outright rejection of their visas. Just that the innocents are paying for crimes they know nothing about.

I left the country some weeks ago and I can't but imagine how sanity has been stored to my sense of reasoning. NIGERIA is a terrible place and most of the citizens are wicked. Nigeria has the most demeaning human beings on earth except few blessed souls

Urheadmaster:
It doesn't matter where the plane took off.


Yoruba Muslims are everywhere home and abroad

Use your head
How can a plane from Kano going for hajj be filled with Yoruba Muslims

Oh No, Not again! sad sad sad
Always putting our darling nation in the news for the very wrong reasons.
May God save Nigerians from these idiots that keep bringing the country to to disrepute.
They have all the opportunities to work legitimately, but fraud and crime is engraved on their forehead.
Foreigners look at anyone from Nigeria as fraudsters, scam artists and criminals.

Guys,
Legit Hustle is the way to a good and beautiful life,
That you will enjoy your money with peace of mind.
Keep pushing on guys, One day Hustle go pay.
God no go shame una

neonly:
Unfortunately u won't get many likes here bro
What you just said is the truth.
May God bless our legit hustle

Likes? we don't post for likes sir.
We only make our post and move on.
But quote and mentions may help tho,
That helps the Ministry...BIGTIME

BTW,
We no be bro o,
We are simply WE!

Wow

It is never a surprise.
Our President (BAT) is the grandmaster in the list of Criminal records!

successmatters:
I really don't blame Saudi Arabia government for being circumspect in their allowance of Nigerians into their country because Nigeria has come to be known with evil.

Imagine allowing a drug stained man to become president and is even in their country on diplomatic mission, a common druggie and dealer who forfeited thousands of dollars from a drug bust operation.

The image of Nigeria has been completely stained and the country will Continue to suffer this embarrassing ordeal.

This is just the beginning, maybe next time all the passengers will be arrested and flogged mercilessly for electing a drug baron

Forget the criminal record face saving lies from Nigerian government propagandists.

Keep shut if you have nothing to type.
May Amadioha kill anybody in any tribe into fraud and crime in this country,
Make we see which tribe go lean pass.
Make we see which members here go lose them relative pass.
Say amen to my prayers now.

Retain them in Saudi naa. They ll be here to do more crime. Sense isn't working for Saudi Arabia and FG.