French Embassy visa delays Nigeria spark concern as Prophet Elijah urges action over passport retention and alleged unfair treatment

Nigerian cleric David Kingsley Elijah on Monday called on the Federal Government to intervene over alleged prolonged passport retention and visa processing delays by the French Embassy in Lagos.

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The French Embassy visa delays Nigeria concern was raised in a statement sent to PM News, where David Kingsley Elijah described the treatment of Nigerian applicants as hostile, unprofessional and discriminatory.

David Kingsley Elijah alleged that many Nigerians, including business professionals, students and families, have had their international passports held for more than two months without updates or final decisions on their visa applications.

David Kingsley Elijah argued that such delays infringe on the fundamental right to freedom of movement, stressing that Nigerian passports remain the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and should not be held indefinitely by a foreign mission.

The statement also highlighted broader economic implications, warning that the alleged bottlenecks and high visa refusal rates could discourage trade and investment between Nigeria and France.

David Kingsley Elijah urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria and the Nigerian Immigration Service to take urgent diplomatic steps, including possible reciprocity measures, to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens.

David Kingsley Elijah emphasised that Nigeria’s status as a major African economy and a key trading partner to France warrants fair and dignified treatment for its citizens.

The French Embassy visa delays Nigeria issue comes amid growing complaints from Nigerians about visa processing challenges at several foreign missions, raising wider concerns about access, transparency and administrative efficiency.

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David Kingsley Elijah said advocacy efforts would continue until affected applicants receive clarity and resolution, reflecting mounting public frustration over the situation.