Letters: Clarification from Nigerian Embassy

Rejoinder: Special report "Pakistan, Nigeria risks for RI" in The Jakarta Post's Monday edition of July 13, 2009.

We wish to refer to your special report in your Monday's edition of July 13, 2009 on above-mentioned.

We were glad to receive one of your reporters, who came around in order to obtain our side of the story before the publication was made. The office cooperated with her, as we made every effort to explain our government's policies on the issues of the constitutional provision on dual nationality for our citizens, as well as, the issuance of the e-standard passports. We therefore, believed that our side of the story may not have been accurately reflected in the publication for unknown reasons.

The mission was pleasantly surprised about your report which you credited to the Immigration Office, which is yet to be received by this office, that Nigeria is one of the 15 listed countries whose citizens are required to undergo strict immigration checks.

The process of obtaining the e-standard passport by any eligible Nigerian is done by biometric, which involves finger printing and capturing the applicant. The Nigeria Immigration Service is thoroughly strict on the issuance of the passports. Since the new e-standard passports have been issued, many countries including the European Union countries have openly commended the Federal Government of Nigeria on this.

Therefore, the mission would greatly appreciate if you can cause a rejoinder to be issued stating the strict government procedures often followed in the issuance of Nigeria's e-standard passports in order to correct the impression that Nigerian passports are often misused by people from other nations.

Once we formally receive the said list from the Immigration Office, the Government of Nigeria will make the appropriate response.

Mike. G. Omotosho Esq.
Minister/Deputy Head Mission for Ambassador
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Jakarta