The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions.
This followed the adoption of a motion presented by a lawmaker from Delta State, Ben Etanabene, at the plenary on Thursday in Abuja.
Etanabene had in his presentation noted that the Federal Government had set in motion reforms for effective service delivery in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parastatal agencies, and the Missions.
He expressed concern that the House had taken several steps to ensure that the reforms and policy thrust of the ministry came to fruition for the good of the country.
He lamented that Nigerians around the world were faced with general and urgent consular services challenges despite the House’s efforts.
The lawmaker recalled that many Nigerians were illegally held or imprisoned in foreign countries and often under harsh conditions that may lead to loss of lives if left unaddressed.
He said: “Many Nigerians go through extreme difficulties to secure visas for legitimate travels including government officials and legislators after paying exorbitant visa fees.
“Embassies in a bid to ease visa application processes have resulted in outsourcing the processes to agents whose cost of services are borne by Nigerians.
“Several modes of visa applications were in force including express services with huge cost paid by applicants who are sometimes denied visas after such payments.”
Adopting the motion, the lawmakers mandated the Committee on Foreign Affairs to carry out a holistic investigation and report back to the House within three weeks.
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