“It is disheartening that our people have to suffer undue stress and loss of resources while engaging with institutions that should protect and assist them.”
Amb. Muhammed Musa Tsoken
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG) has issued a formal complaint to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, raising alarm over what it describes as the “nonchalant attitude” of contractors handling visa and passport services at the Nigerian Consulate General Office in the United States.
In a strongly worded letter signed by the National President of APC-IGG, Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tsoken, the organization condemned the inefficiencies and alleged misconduct of the contractors, citing multiple complaints from Nigerian citizens who have suffered financial and emotional setbacks as a result.
“Several verified reports have been brought to our attention involving unprofessional conduct, delayed services, and non-refunded payments made by applicants who were never issued visas,” the letter reads.
“At least three cases have recently been reported where affected individuals paid the required fees, yet were left unattended without refund or resolution—despite repeated follow-ups and formal complaints.”
While acknowledging the positive contributions of the Consulate General and its staff, APC-IGG emphasized that the actions of the outsourced contractors are undermining the broader mission of Nigeria’s foreign service.
The group is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter, stressing that contractors should be held accountable and possibly replaced with more competent service providers. They also recommended a comprehensive review of the terms of engagement and the implementation of stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Nigeria, as a proud and sovereign nation, must continue to protect the rights and dignity of her citizens, both at home and in the diaspora,” Tsoken said.
“It is disheartening that our people have to suffer undue stress and loss of resources while engaging with institutions that should protect and assist them.”
The letter was co-signed by Rev. Dr. David B. Kayode, JP, and Dr. Nasir Olatunji, both senior members of the APC-IGG. Copies were also sent to the Presidency, the Ministry of Interior, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C., and various international human rights organizations.
The APC-IGG said it remains optimistic that the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs will take swift action to restore trust in the country’s consular services abroad.
“We trust in your leadership and your ongoing commitment to reforms,” the letter concluded.
“We look forward to timely updates and visible corrective actions in this regard.”
