The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is among countries prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia beginning April 13.
The clarification followed a viral document that listed Nigeria and several other countries facing restrictions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, through his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, issued a statement on Monday, April 7, to debunk the false claims. Tuggar stressed that Saudi authorities had confirmed Nigeria is not affected by any such directive.
The minister described the memo as misleading and inaccurate, emphasizing that the list naming Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan, among others, had no official backing. He reassured the public that no entry ban is in place for Nigerian travellers.
READ ALSO: Saudi Arabia declares end of Ramadan
“The Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed no such directive exists,” Tuggar stated. “The only valid travel restriction applies to the Hajj period and affects only tourist visa holders.”
He explained that between April 29 and June 11—equivalent to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH—holders of tourist visas are restricted from entering or staying in Makkah. Only those with valid Hajj visas will be permitted entry during this period.
Tuggar urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading memo and rely on verified sources before making travel plans. He warned that spreading unconfirmed information could cause unnecessary panic and disrupt arrangements, advising travellers to consult official Saudi or Nigerian diplomatic channels for updates.
Crediblenewsng.com
