The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the practice of some Nigerian embassies withholding applicants’ passports for extended periods after visa submissions, calling for partial refunds when applications are rejected. Her comments come in response to a social media post by Japheth Omojuwa, a prominent Nigerian activist and content creator, who highlighted the frustration caused by delays in passport returns. Dabiri-Erewa expressed full agreement with Omojuwa’s stance, emphasizing that such delays disrupt travel plans and create unnecessary stress for applicants.
Omojuwa, who did not name any specific embassy, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns, stating that if an embassy cannot make a decision within two weeks, it should return the applicant’s passport. He noted that the process is not a life-and-death matter and that prolonged retention of documents affects people’s time management and travel schedules. His post quickly gained traction, prompting reactions from various quarters, including NIDCOM’s top official.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa stressed that if visa applications are denied, applicants should receive at least a portion of their fees back. She argued that retaining passports without resolution is unfair and counterproductive to the goal of smooth and efficient visa processing. Her remarks underscore a growing call for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad, especially as more Nigerians seek to travel for education, work, or family visits.
The issue of delayed passport returns has long been a source of discontent among Nigerians abroad. Many applicants report being unable to access their documents for weeks or even months, disrupting personal and professional commitments. Some have even missed flights, job interviews, or medical appointments due to the bureaucratic delays. Dabiri-Erewa’s intervention signals a potential shift toward more responsive and applicant-friendly policies within the diaspora framework.
NIDCOM, established to support and advocate for Nigerians living abroad, has been increasingly vocal on issues affecting the diaspora community. This latest statement reflects its commitment to improving the experience of Nigerians navigating the visa and passport process. The commission’s position could influence policy changes in embassies and consulates, particularly in how they handle rejected applications and document returns.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its diplomatic presence globally, addressing inefficiencies in visa processing will be crucial. The call for partial refunds and timely document returns may soon become a standard practice, improving trust and satisfaction among applicants. The issue remains a key concern for the diaspora, and ongoing advocacy from figures like Omojuwa and officials like Dabiri-Erewa is likely to keep it in the public eye.
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