The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of visas for 264 Nigerians upon their arrival in Jeddah aboard Air Peace.
The House urged the federal government to promptly take diplomatic measures to safeguard the nation’s image, ensure the full implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), protect Nigerian national carriers flying into Saudi Arabia, and safeguard the Nigerian traveling public.
Condemning the cancellation of visas by Saudi Arabian authorities on Monday, November 13, 2023, the House adopted a motion moved during Tuesday’s plenary by Kama Nkemkanma and four others.
Nkemkanma recalled that the Saudi Arabian authorities canceled the visas of all 264 passengers airlifted by Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, on arrival in Jeddah from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The motion highlighted that the passengers had undergone Advanced Passengers Pre-screening System (APPS), monitored live by Saudi authorities before the flight left Nigeria.
Despite intervention from the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the visa cancellation could not be traced to any authorized personnel, even though the live APPS had been concluded.
Nkemkanma expressed concern over potential aero-political motives behind the visa cancellations, suggesting that it might be an attempt to force the Nigerian operator out of the route.
Stakeholders have reportedly attributed the development to aero-politics, indicating a possible effort to drive Nigerian carriers away from the route unless the government intervenes.
The lawmaker emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s actions infringed on the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which is still in force.
He noted the diplomatic concern arising from this incident, especially considering that it occurred during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Saudi Arabia.
It mandated the “Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior and Pilgrims Affairs to inquire into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of already granted visas to 264 Nigerians on arrival at Jeddah aboard Air Peace and to report back within two weeks.”
