Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf
Aregbesola
Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf
Aregbesola
Why Nigeria Flagged-Off Biometric Visa Issuance in
Japan
I am delighted to witness this occasion of the roll-out of
epassport and biometric visa in our Embassy here in Tokyo,
Japan.
We had received several requests from both the Nigerian
community and the Embassy on the need to open a passport issuance
centre here due to the distance Nigerians have to cover in order to
have their passports re-issued.
In response to these requests, the administration of President
Muhammadu Buhari, in his commitment to the citizens and ease of
doing business, approved this facility and the service of issuing
both e-passports and biometric visa in Japan. Suffice to say that
this provision and service is not limited to Tokyo Japan; we will
open tomorrow another e-passport and biometric visa facilities in
our Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, bringing to a total of 44
foreign missions, 43 local and four front offices where Nigeria
Immigration Service issues passports to our citizens.
I am aware that Japan does not accept dual citizenship, although
Nigeria does. Because of this, I urge every Nigerian who renounces
he or her Nigerian citizenship not to apply for the e-passport at
this centre or anywhere. I will like to assure those
Nigerian-Japanese who have accepted Japanese citizenship that a new
visa regime that will grant them multiple entry into Nigeria up to
the validity of their Japanese passports will commence soon.
The Biometric visa is an improved security on the current
vignette visa we issue. We are proud to state that this new
biometric visa will assist our national security and assist in
combatting transnational organized crime. It conforms with
international migration management and best practice.
I will like to seize this opportunity to call on Nigerians
resident in Japan to respect the laws of the host country.
Self-respect, particularly in foreign lands, is the foundation of
wisdom and success. As our Ambassador at large in this peaceful and
friendly country, you must exhibit at all times good conduct,
character’ nobility and dignity.
Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Japan began officially in
1964 though trade between us has been traced to as early as 1914.
Today, Japan is one of our largest trading partners with Japanese
products ranging from automobiles, electronics to kitchen knives
are very popular brands. Japanese overseas assistance to Nigeria is
commendable. Many of you who are students are enjoying Japanese
government scholarship. It is therefore necessary that you work
towards improving relations between us and promote Nigeria in the
best way possible in culture and business.
It is important to state that this new visa and passport regime
connects with MIDAS (migration information and data analysis
system) which is linked with the INTERPOL data. This simply means
criminals and their affiliates can no longer use our system
anywhere in the world to perpetrate their crimes. We are proudly
adopting technology to secure our land and join the global efforts
at preventing human trafficking and illegitimate activities.
This is a laudable event, timely and in sync with the
aspirations of our administration to improve governance and the
quality of life of Nigerians everywhere. I must not forget to thank
our partners who made this possible. On this note, I hereby
commission the e-passport and biometric visa issuance facility in
our Embassy in Tokyo, Japan to the glory of God and the benefit of
our people and visitors and business people in Japan.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
Minister of Interior