No Saudi Entry Ban on Nigeria, Says Foreign Affairs Ministry
By HeadlineNews.News Staff Writer
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly debunked widespread online reports alleging that Saudi Arabia will impose an entry ban on Nigeria and several other countries beginning April 13, 2025.
In an official statement released on Monday, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified that the viral memo currently circulating on social media is false and without merit.
“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja has confirmed that there is no such directive or policy in place,” Abdulkadir stated. He emphasized that the Saudi authorities have formally denied the authenticity of the document, which purportedly lists Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and others as countries facing new visa restrictions and entry bans.
The Ministry further urged the public and media platforms to exercise discretion and verify facts from official sources before sharing such sensitive information, especially when it could potentially fuel misinformation and diplomatic tension.
This clarification comes at a critical time as many Nigerian citizens, particularly pilgrims and business travelers, prepare for upcoming journeys to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The false reports had sparked unnecessary panic and confusion, underscoring the danger of viral misinformation in the digital age.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians abroad and maintaining strong bilateral relations with strategic partners like Saudi Arabia. It also called on the public to remain calm and rely only on verified channels for information concerning international travel and foreign policy.
Dr. Imran Khazaly
Headlinenews.news investigative report.
