INEC Waves Visa Fee For All International Observers

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has waved visa fee for all International Observers.

INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu made the announcement on Thursday during a press briefing.

Yakubu said the development is in conjunction with the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, adding that it is to enable those who intend to travel out of the country after the presidential election and return before the governorship election do so.

He said, “Some observers may want to leave the country after elections this Saturday, and return before the governorship, state assembly, FCT area council elections now scheduled for Saturday, 9th March 2019.

“In order to make the process easier, the Nigeria Immigration Service, working with the commission is granting extension of visa to all international observers that require such facility.

“Similarly, the Immigration Service is also granting re-entry visa to all observers who may wish to travel out of the country at the time for the second part of the general elections.

“In this regard the service has requested me to convey its decision to wave the visa fee and take all such request expeditiously.

“The extension of stay or re-entry into the country will be treated.

“A special desk to handle those who wish to extend their stay as well as travelling and coming back to Nigeria before March 9th 2019, has been set up at the national headquarters of the INEC.

“Two immigration officers has been assigned to carry out ad-hoc assignment and we started this afternoon.”