The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs is investigating alleged malpractices in diplomatic postings by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and alleged passport racketeering in the Immigration Service.
Announcing the resolution at a public hearing, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila said there have been series of complaints against the Foreign Affairs Ministry by diplomats and the general public on the rot in diplomatic posting and other issues.
Gbajabiamila said the Foreign Ministry, its departments and agencies had been involved in the alleged malpractices adding that the House had resolved to investigate the matter owing to the number of petitions it received.
The Speaker noted that the Foreign Ministry is responsible for framing the country’s foreign policy stressing that it is a tragedy if what it portrays is the opposite of its policy decision.
Earlier, Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs Buba Yakub said the probe is in tandem with President Muhammadu Buhari’s zero-tolerance to corrupt practices by public officeholders.
The Controller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service Mohammed Babandede, in his submission informed the committee that the new visa policy has allowed citizens to have dual citizenship and had contributed to the ease of doing business in the country.
He confirmed that the agency had removed visa processing from embassies and high commissions and introduced temporary passport for Nigerians abroad to enhance their movement.
Discussion0