Surprise ensues as Saudi Arabia revokes visa-on-arrival privileges for 264 Nigerian citizens.

There was upheaval in Nigerian aviation and diplomatic circles as the Saudi Arabian government unexpectedly revoked the visas of all 264 passengers brought in by Nigeria’s prominent carrier, Air Peace, upon their arrival from Kano. The demand for their return to Nigeria created a stir, particularly as it coincided with President Bola Tinubu’s presence in Saudi Arabia for the Arab-Africa summits.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement, conveyed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the SA Media and Communications Strategy to the minister. The ministry expressed its commitment to investigating whether any consular or aviation regulations were breached, emphasizing a dedication to mitigating actions affecting the welfare of Nigerian citizens in the future, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4-Ds strategy.

The statement highlighted Nigeria’s recent participation in the Saudi-Africa Summit, where significant bilateral discussions and commitments across various sectors occurred.

The Presidency acknowledged awareness of the situation but indicated a lack of detailed information. Tope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, stated that updates on the matter were awaited.

The incident involved a flight departing from Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport, transiting through Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, and arriving in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, without incident. However, upon landing, Saudi authorities abruptly cancelled all passengers’ visas.

Sources revealed that the passengers and airline personnel were taken aback, considering the prior check-in procedures using the Advance Passengers Pre-screening System (APPS), which was monitored by Saudi Arabian authorities. Speculation arose whether this was a tactic to dissuade the airline, which had experienced high load factors since commencing operations to the destination.

Upon intervention by the Nigerian embassy, the Saudi government reduced the number of passengers slated for return to Nigeria from 264 to 170.