Nigeria shows care for its
citizens abroad
By John Theodore-Edevu
Presenter/Producer – Kanal T Television
The Federal Republic of Nigeria popularly known as Nigeria is a country that cannot be left out of the picture when the world oil rich countries are being mentioned.
Recently, they showed how concerned they are about their citizens no matter where they are.
On 31st January 2014, The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy Ankara, Turkey and the Nigerian Immigration service carried out a passport renewal and extension exercise in both Ankara, Turkey and Northern Cyprus. This exercise stands to benefit those who have passport related issues such as lost, expired, correction of name or any kind of passport related issue.
Speaking to the Diplomats, it was confirmed that a 5 man Team was involved in the exercise. I was told that due to concern for its citizens, the Federal Republic of Nigeria sent a 5-man team from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to both Turkey and Cyprus for the exercise.
The team which included 5 officials from the Nigerian Immigration service were air-
A team of 4 which included 3 officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service in company of an official from the Nigerian Embassy Turkey was also sent to Famagusta, North Cyprus to attend to the Nigerian citizens residing here also for all passport related issues. The exercise started on the 6th February and ended on the 9th February. The team has since returned to Nigeria.
Speaking to the beneficiaries of the exercise, which were mostly students, they confirmed that they are very delighted and happy about the exercise because it would cost them a lot to go back to Nigeria which is about 9 hour flight from Cyprus just for the purpose of Passport renewal. They also confirmed that the exercise was a successful one as both the officials, the machinery and beneficiaries co-operated. They thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for bringing Nigeria to Cyprus.