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Just IN : Naira – for-Visa : Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf, Directs all Embassies to comply with EFCC’s directive
Commission says some missions use N1,900 to dollar exchange rate
Demands banks’ response to enquiries within 24 hours
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has written all the foreign missions in the country to comply with the directive of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to charge payment for visa and consular services in naira instead of dollar.
Tuggar has already met with a few envoys who sought more clarifications on the EFCC’s advisory.
It was learnt that the EFCC advisory against dollar-denominated service was necessitated in part after some embassies adopted N1,800-N1,900 exchange rates to a dollar.
An embassy was found to have set up an account unit where visa applicants were paying cash in dollar for services outside the conventional banking system.
Some embassies are understood to have started implementing the EFCC’s advisory on naira policy for consular services.
It was gathered that the EFCC has entered into an understanding with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for prompt remittance of the funds generated by the embassies to their home countries at official rate.
In an April 5, 2024 advisory to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, had asked government to stop foreign missions in Nigeria from charging visa and other consular services in foreign denominations.
He also advised all embassies to adopt Nigeria’s regulatory regime in fixing the exchange rate of the cost of their services.
He said the commission has observed the violation of Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 which makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.
A top source told The Nation that the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked all foreign missions to implement the EFCC advisory.
EFCC urges embassies not to charge visa, other services in dollar
The source said: “The Federal Government has adopted the advisory of the EFCC which is backed by the CBN Act. In line with this, the Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has formally written all embassies to charge and accept payment for visa and consular services in naira.
“In fact, the Ambassador of one of the missions collecting dollars for consular services demanded an audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for clarifications on the new policy. Tuggar, who met with the affected envoy, said there is no going back on the naira policy.
“But the EFCC has also reached an understanding with the CBN for the prompt remittance of all consular fees collected at the official exchange rate to the embassies or countries. The Federal Government will not default in remitting funds.”
It was gathered that the EFCC issued the advisory following discovery that some embassies had adopted N1,800 to N1,900 exchange rates for applicants for visa and consular services.
“Some embassies went beyond official and parallel market rates in fixing exchange rate for consular services. They were charging as high as N1,800 to N1,900,” one source said.
“A foreign mission was even collecting dollars in cash from visa applicants. The practice was outside the banking system.
“From feedback, some of the embassies are already charging for consular services, including visa, in naira. We will not relent in ensuring full compliance by all missions.
“There is a desk monitoring compliance with the naira-for-visa policy. Any infraction will be reported to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
The advisory, signed by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, reads in part: “…I wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign Missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States Dollar ($).
“This practice is an aberration and unlawful as it conflicts ‘with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.
“It states that ‘the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount’.
“This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is therefore illegal.”
The commission added: “The refusal by some Missions to accept the Naira for consular service in Nigeria and also comply with foreign exchange regulatory regime in fixing the exchange of the cost of their services is not only illegal but represents an affront on the country’s sovereignty symbolised by the national currency. It undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.
“This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.
“In the light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all Missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.
“Please accept, as always, the assurances of my highest consideration and respect.”
Attend to enquiries on money laundering, others within 24 hours, EFCC boss tasks bankers
The EFCC boss has also urged bankers to respond to the commission’s enquiries within 24 hours to aid its investigations.
“I don’t want to be charging banks alongside suspected criminals, because doing so can wreak havoc on the economy. It will even discourage investors from coming to the country,” Olukoyede said during a roundtable with compliance officers of banks in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He added: “Our intention is to use the anti-corruption fight to bolster the economy. So, we must work together to save this country.”
Represented by acting Zonal Director, Ilorin Command Harry Erin, Pastor Olukoyede said: “We need to find a common ground to work together. You have a responsibility to fight corruption.”
The EFCC chair also expressed concerns over the use of fintech (private banking) by criminals to perpetuate crimes.
Security presence surged around the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as operatives from multiple agencies were deployed ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.
By about 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had taken positions at strategic locations leading to the court complex situated within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area.
Access roads to the venue witnessed restrictions, forcing vehicles into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo and triggering early morning gridlock.
The heavy security followed a prior notice by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said the former governor would be docked alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The agency explained that the charges against the defendants include alleged conversion, unlawful possession of public property, and money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that another case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, had been instituted against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
According to the commission, the state charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the statement added.
The ICPC said both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that a date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later.
It also insisted that El-Rufai had been properly served, stressing its adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The development came amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which called for his immediate release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family also alleged a breach of his fundamental rights.
El-Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has remained in the custody of the anti-graft agency since then, pending his arraignment.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
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The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
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