The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Sunday announced that it has sanctioned some officials over the harassment of a female Hijab-wearing candidate.

The female candidate who sat her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination at the Bafuto Institute, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop, Ejigbo, Lagos was said to have been asked to remove her headcover during the accreditation process before being allowed into the examination hall.

Addressing the issue in a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs of the Board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board noted that it deeply regretted the incident.

It said on investigation, it discovered that the incident or others in the past were not linked to any of its examination guidelines but rather a product of the misplaced priority of some of the Board’s accredited partners or officials who claimed ignorance of the its guidelines on accreditation.

The statement read, “This situation was instantly addressed by a senior official of the Board at the center and the candidate in question was allowed in after the usual checks with her hijab.

“However, since ignorance of the law is not an excuse, the officials have been appropriately sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others, who might wish to toe the same line going forward.

“It is worthy of note that the Board, as a national institution, has no policy barring candidates from sporting the religious paraphernalia peculiar to their religious persuasions as these are the facts of everyday life in Nigeria, which everyone should have been familiar with by now.” 

Furthermore, the Board assured the general public that the issue would be properly investigated as to prevent a recurrence.

“The Board is committed to the discharge of its statutory role of ensuring that suitably qualified candidates are selected for admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions and would not allow anything or anyone to detract it from the pursuit of this noble goal,” it reiterated.

Meanwhile, the conduct of 2024 UTME, which commenced on Friday, 19th April 2024, has been marred with reports of technical glitches as over 1.2 million candidates would have successfully taken the examination by Monday, 22nd April 2024.

A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has contrasted the leadership of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, with that of the Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government Area in Lagos State, asserting the latter’s administration as superior.

Obi served as the Anambra State Governor from June 2007 to March 2014.

“The Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government Area in Lagos State has more achievements in governance than Peter Obi,” Omokri said in an interview on the ‘Mic On Podcast’ programme hosted by a Channels Television’s journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, late Saturday.

“I know for a fact that the Eti-Osa Local Government Chairman has built at least, to my knowledge, three schools,” Omokri affirmed.

The social media influencer also challenged the Obidients – adherents of Obi, to mention a school built by the latter in his eight years as governor of the Southeastern state.

He noted that while Obi was the Anambra State Governor, he didn’t start, complete and inaugurate a school.

Omokri said, “I am giving a challenge. I will give any (Obidient) $10,000 if they can name one school that Peter Obi started, completed and commissioned while he was governor,” debunking views that Obi was better than former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu in terms of infrastructural developments.

Upon Obi’s end of tenure as the state governor in 2014, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party to run as a running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2019 presidential election.

The election was later lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari under the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Omokri, a former aide to erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, recalled how he encouraged Obi to tread “the best path” for his presidential ambition.

“…Peter Obi cannot deny that I was the one who recommended him to Waziri Atiku Abubakar. Waziri Atiku Abubakar asked me to help him to choose a running mate.

“I called former President Jonathan, I discussed with him. Former President Jonathan told me, ‘Look, it must be Peter Obi’ and then I told former President Jonathan that I can’t just give this man only one name and so we padded the list with some other people’s names and then we put Peter Obi’s name and made it so rosy.

“And, Waziri Atiku Abubakar chose Peter Obi,” the social media influencer stated, adding that “Peter Obi was the best person at that time.”

However, Omokri lamented that despite his efforts, Obi didn’t heed his advice. 

He said, “I told Peter Obi that the best path to the presidency for him is to run as Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s running mate and then be loyal to him.

“And then, when Waziri finishes his tenure, naturally the baton will change from the present to him. He didn’t listen to me.”

The former presidential aide noted that Obi wasn’t posited to win the 2023 election but rather, he (Obi) would “split the Peoples Democratic Party votes and make it possible for Bola Tinubu to win.

“If you contest, you are not going to win. The only thing that you’re going to achieve in contesting is that you are going to split the People’s Democratic Party votes and make it possible for Bola Tinubu to win,” Omokri added.

“In terms of education, Peter Obi is the least educationally qualified among the others. In terms of achievement while in office, he doesn’t come close to any of Tinubu and Atiku at all.

“At the end of the day, if you hold the presidential election 10 times, Peter Obi is still not going to win,” Omokri added.

Obi contested for the presidency in the 2023 election as the Labour Party’s candidate. Both he and Abubakar eventually lost to Tinubu. 

Omokri also dismissed reports that he wasn’t supposed to make comments bordering on the nation’s economic challenges, saying that he doesn’t live in the country.

While reacting to this, he said, “I’m an employer of labour in Nigeria,” saying that his critics should visit the Corporate Affairs Commission to verify.

The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), has reportedly concluded plans to launch a radio station for the use of the terrorist group.

Naija News understands the plan of the ISWAP group is to set up an online radio station to spread its propaganda.

Makama, in his post, raised concerns about the implications of the plan by the ISWAP terrorist group as the move is a strong signal to authorities in the sub-region that the insurgency has continued to be dynamic in adopting various means of propaganda.

“The recruitment pace of the insurgency has still not been effectively halted and online media propaganda by the terror group has continued to play a key role in ensuring that the terrorist groups remain visible.

“This is effectively drawn by intense propaganda moves in making effort to draw significant attention to the organization’s sustained presence and reach. The attendant effect, continues to imply recycling of fighters as the backbone of ISIS recruitment campaign, support to affiliated groups and directives for full fledged attacks.

“It becomes necessary to sustain effort in INFO OPs as well to bring down and disconnect associated notorious terrorist websites to bolster the network of affiliated group members,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the fresh suspension of the party’s national Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from the party.

Naija News earlier reported that another APC faction had also suspended Ganduje.

Reacting to the development on Sunday, the chairman and secretary of Ganduje ward in Dawakin Tofa local government of Kano state, Ahmed Muhammed Ganduje and Usaini Jibrinn said no new election was conducted by the state or national body of the APC.

Speaking via a statement made available to Naija News, the duo said the sponsored group could not do their homework properly by using a fake or uncertified headed paper on which they drew a list of non existing party executive.

“To the best of our knowledge, as executive members of Ganduje ward of the APC, there was no new election of new leadership of our party. We remain the same executive of the ward,” the statement added.

The executive members subsequently called on the national body to facilitate the arrest and persecution of the group for impersonators attempting to cause persecution of the group for impersonation.

They also called on party members to disregard such propaganda aimed at disrupting the party.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) is on the brink of commencing production, with oil marketers gearing up to load refined petroleum products, as confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The anticipation builds as workers hasten preparations under directives aimed at revitalizing the facility’s operations.

Dealers expressed optimism on Friday, projecting potential pricing of N500 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, directly from the refinery in Rivers State.

This development is eagerly awaited amid fluctuating fuel prices that have burdened consumers across the country.

Adding to the hopeful outlook, operators are also eyeing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is slated to begin petrol distribution next month.

Currently supplying diesel, the entry of Dangote refinery into the petrol market is expected to further drive down prices, potentially below the N500/litre mark, offering a significant relief to the market.

On Thursday, members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Rivers State Branch, during a visit to the PHRC, observed readiness for the refinery to start disbursing refined products imminently.

They anticipate that the refinery might begin operations within the month, a sentiment echoed by IPMAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Chief Ukadike Chinedu.

Chinedu noted that the plant’s completion was largely achieved, confirming Friday’s developments and fueling marketers’ preparations to commence purchasing and loading activities from the refinery.

He highlighted the positive impact expected on fuel pricing, particularly benefiting independent dealers and ultimately consumers.

This revitalization of the PHRC stands as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, promising to stabilize and possibly lower fuel prices, thereby alleviating some economic pressures faced by Nigerians.

Asked whether the refinery has put a price on the PMS to expect from the plant, Ukadike replied, “Not yet. However, NNPC is still giving us PMS at N567.7/litre, so we want to believe that the Port Harcourt refinery should give us the product at N500/litre or less than that.”

Ukadike stated efforts were really ongoing at the plant to begin the production of petrol and other refined products, as recently announced by the NNPC.

Meanwhile, Ukadike also stated that marketers were putting in place measures that would enable them to purchase products in bulk, going by the fact that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery did not sell less than one million litres when it commenced the sale of diesel.

He said, “So when they resume at Port Harcourt refinery and they key into what Dangote has done by selling in bulk, it means that we the independent marketers particularly in the South-East should be able to have a company that can be able to buy up to four/five million litres from the refinery.

“We are also planning to reach NNPC Trading to see whether they will be able to send 20,000 metric tonnes of PMS to our depots, strictly for independent marketers.

“From every indication, the Port Harcourt refinery is almost set to start releasing products. The government has told us that the plant will start production, at least by the end of this month. So we don’t want to be caught unprepared, for instance, if they say we should pay for two million litres and we can’t be able to pay.”

Ukadike also stated that oil marketers were discussing with their banks, adding that the financial institutions “are ready to fund such bulk allocations so that we can be able to distribute it nationwide because we have the reach.”

The oil dealers are also awaiting the potential entry of PMS from the Dangote refinery into the domestic market, with hopes that the company would crash the price of petrol below N500/litre.

The anticipation stemmed from the manners in which the Dangote refinery recently crashed the price of diesel to N1,200/litre in March when the cost of the commodity was around N1,600. The refinery later crashed the price of diesel to N1,000/litre.

The National President, IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, said the refinery might sell petrol at N500/litre or below.

Linking this to the rebound of the naira against the dollar, Maigandi told one of our correspondents that the product might be sold at a relatively cheaper price.

While saying the refinery is yet to begin the sale of petrol, the IPMAN president noted: “We are happy the price of diesel is coming down, thanks to Dangote refinery. As for petrol, the sale has not started. We hope petrol too will come down to like N500.

“But if the dollar continues falling, it may go back to the normal rate.”

The Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Clement Isong, said, “I expect the price to be at import parity. Why (will it go down to N500 or low)? Petrol pricing is at the international price. It is based on an international reference. You buy petrol based on a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis.”

The Police Command in Abia State has confirmed the arrest of one of its operatives who allegedly killed a businessman in Aba for failing to give some officers on patrol duty a bribe.

It was gathered that the businessman, identified as Emmanuel Okocha, was shot dead on Friday for allegedly refusing to give a bribe to some police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad of the state who demanded a bribe despite having his vehicle particulars and driver’s license up to date.

The victim is said to have hailed from the Abiriba community in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.

Reacting to the incident, the Abia State Police spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Saturday, said the officer who allegedly killed the businessman has been arrested and would face necessary punishment upon conclusion of investigations.

She also identified the suspect as Corporal Obagi Njok, who is attached to the Abayi Police Division in the state.

The statement added that the incident is regrettable and the Police authorities have commiserated with the victim’s family and his loved ones.

“The officer has been apprehended, and necessary disciplinary procedures have been initiated. Appropriate disciplinary actions and sanctions will be effected soonest, and he will face the full course of appropriate administrative and legal consequences,” Ms Chinaka stated.

“The Abia State Police Command states without prevarication that the incident is unfortunate, and regrettable.

“Abia State Police Command remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and the rule of law. We unequivocally condemn any act of misconduct, unprofessionalism, and indiscipline among our officers,” she added.

Naira, Nigeria’s currency is set to stabilise further as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has agreed with the International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) and foreign investors to double remittance flow in the country, in the short to medium term.

To achieve this, the CBN said it is setting up a tax force that will ensure that all hindrances to the foreign inflows are addressed. 

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN, disclosed this at a joint press conference of the ministry of finance and the CBN in Washington D.C. at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank meetings. 

Foreign exchange inflows to Nigeria rose to $2.3 billion in February, the central bank according to the CBN, driven by renewed interest from foreign investors and a rise in overseas remittances.

According to Statista the personal remittances received in Nigeria increased by 0.7 billion U.S. dollars (+3.59 percent) in 2022. In total, the personal remittances received amounted to 20.13 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Remittances are flows of money between immigrants and their relatives. They refer to personal transfers between resident and non-resident individuals, and the compensation of employees who are employed in an economy where they are not resident, and of residents employed by non-resident entities.

“Besides our meetings with multilateral financial institutions, and foreign investor groups, with a keen interest on developments in Nigeria, including the US Chamber of Commerce, we had very productive discussions with leading international money transfer operators IMTOs, where we collectively committed to doubling remittance flows through formal channels into Nigeria in the immediate short to medium term. 

“This target is both ambitious and achievable. And we are wasting no time in setting up a collaborative Task Force reporting to myself to drive progress and address any bottlenecks that hinder flows through formal channels,” Cardoso said.

The naira weakened by the most in over a month at the parallel market on Friday, ending a rally since late March that had made the currency the world’s best performer.

A dollar sold for N1,230 in street trading on Friday, a 17 percent decline compared to N1,050 the previous day.

Traders say there was an uptick in demand on the day but still expect the naira to pare the losses in the coming days.

The naira also depreciated at the official market to N1,169.99 against the dollar on Friday — a 1.38 percent drop from the N1,154.08/$ rate on April 18.

He said in the six months since assumed the position of Central Bank governor, the challenges have been significant from grappling with inflation to addressing volatility in the foreign exchange market.

“However, with relative stability now achieved particularly in the foreign exchange market, we have transitioned from firefighting to strategic planning across key areas.

“These areas include improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria to consolidate and sustain the gains through an efficient and transparent market system and boosting financial and economic inclusion for small businesses and households. Interrogating all potential ways to leverage smarter use of technology and remote banking to reduce the cost of transactions and expand access accessibility to the financial system,” Cardoso said.

Imagine missing school or work every  month because you can’t afford sanitary pads. This is the reality for over 37 million Nigerian women and girls, according to a former Minister of Women’s Affairs, Pauline Tallen.

Sadly, the current high cost of sanitary pads has pushed many more into period poverty, restricting their ability to work, study and participate in daily life.

In the face of this challenge, Sunday Vanguard probes how Nigerian women and girls navigate menstrual hygiene.

As a mother of three teenage girls, ages 14, 16 and 18, Mrs Joy Anyanwu has been bearing the burden of providing her girls with sanitary pads and other items they may require.

Joy, a teacher in one of the private schools in Ikotun area of Lagos, who lost her husband some years ago, said she is disturbed watching her girls use rags for their monthly period due to her inability to afford sanitary pads.

 This development is no thanks to the high cost of sanitary pads.

The mother of three girls and two boys told Sunday Vanguard that due to her inability to afford these menstrual hygiene products, her children usually stay away from school and church services for four days in order not to be embarrassed.

With tears in her eyes, she said with a monthly salary of N30, 000, the family can barely feed three times a day.

“To support myself, I have been able to cut some of my unused wrappers in small sizes.  I supervise the washing and anytime I have money I buy a pack and keep it in case any of them have tests or exams”, Joy told Sunday Vanguard.

“For instance, before now, a Lady Care pad of 10 pieces in a pack was sold between N300 and N450 last year. “Today, some go as high as N850, N1, 550, and N2, 980, depending on the area of purchase.

In supermarkets visited by Sunday Vanguard, the prices of popular brands like Always start from N985. 

Some of the different types of Always pads like Ultra-normal with wings go for as high as N2, 785.

Some of the cheapest pads, like Lilypad Ultra-soft, a pack of 7, sell now for N510. 

A Molped pad (Super Value Pack) is sold for N1, 810, a value pack of 10 goes for N965, Super Value Pack of 32 goes for N3, 270 and a Molped Ultra-soft of 10 is sold at N1, 145.

Also, Kotex Pad Ultra goes for N585, depending on the area of purchase.

“I tried going back to using toilet tissues, but their prices have also skyrocketed. Some of the cheap brands that go for N50 are now sold for N250,” Joy said.

Like Joy, many parents are facing a lot of trouble following the skyrocketing prices of sanitary products.

Investigations by Sunday Vanguard show that the cost of all brands of sanitary pads has gone out of the reach of the poor by over 400 per cent.

The prices of other popular economy brands like Virony sold at N1, 200 last year have gone up to N3, 000.

Angel pads of 10 are now sold for N700 while 10 pieces of Dry Love sanitary pad go for N900.

“My daughter almost missed her mock exams. She was supposed to go to school that morning when the period came out”, Joy said.

“I was not at home and there was no money to buy a pad. Thanks to my neighbour who volunteered to give her two pieces from her house.

“She got to school late. Government must put policies in place to check the high cost of essential products that can put the lives of people in danger; it is no longer easy for parents like me”.

Missing classes

 For an undergraduate student at Imo State University, Celestina, many students are avoiding classes due to their inability to afford these sanitary pads.

“Girls are missing classes not because they are sick but because they cannot afford to spend their feeding money on expensive sanitary pads, especially some of them that experience heavy flow”, Celestina stated.

“Some use toilet tissue which is not good but they have no choice.  Some even use newspapers.  It is pathetic. Some also tear their clothes for their menstrual period.

“Last week I did not go to church because I ran out of sanitary pads.  I cannot go to church with rags or toilet tissue. I had to stay in my hostel”.

Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard finds that if nothing is done urgently, the period of poverty may persist or become a bigger burden. 

Nigeria, over the years, has continued to face challenges in menstrual hygiene management.

For instance, a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) based on a survey conducted in the north-western state of Kaduna shows that only 37 per cent of women aged 15–49 have everything they need such as clean materials, a facility, pain medication, and places to dispose of used products for proper menstrual hygiene.

In a UNFPA-supported Lagos State-wide assessment on Menstrual Hygiene Management, MHM, across its secondary schools, it was found that over 77 per cent reported re-using their menstrual materials that are not reusable pads.

Although studies have shown that menstrual hygiene management is an essential aspect of hygiene among women and girls in the menstruating age group, it is often overlooked and doesn’t attract much attention in some countries, like Nigeria.

Infections

 Medical experts are, in the meantime, warning that poor menstrual hygiene can severely impact a woman’s sexual and reproductive health.

Poor menstrual hygiene, according to them, increases the risk of reproductive and urinary tract infections, which can lead to future infertility and complications during childbirth.

Again, resorting to unhygienic sanitary products, they said, not only puts girls at physical risk but also subjects them to a cycle of fear as they approach their period, dreading leaks and odour.

According to a Consultant Gynaecologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Modupe Olatokunbo-Adedeji, the use of unhygienic rags in place of sanitary pads could lead to genital tract infections.

Olatokunbo-Adedeji said such infections occur due to alternative materials like used clothes, and tissue rolls, which break into particles when moist and are left behind even far into the vagina for microbes to thrive on and others.

She listed such infections that can be contracted to include genital tract infections, vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis and then pelvic inflammatory disease.

Olatokunbo-Adedeji said: “Government basically should look into ensuring that essential products are accessible to people by some subsidy or encouraging  local production.

“The use of clothing materials is supposed to be extinct and is looking like we are recalling these materials. “Just like childhood immunisation is free, why can’t the distribution of sanitary towels be likewise? The definitive option is to make them affordable.”

For the Executive Director of Yeye Modupe Alakija Foundation, YMAAF, Omobola Olaribigbe, limited access to menstrual hygiene in Nigeria is a key concern and this lack of access is why her organisation works to improve menstrual hygiene supplies for disadvantaged girls in schools across communities. Olaribigbe decried that the price of menstrual products has skyrocketed by over 300 per cent in just a year, making them scarce and forcing people to resort to unsafe alternatives.

“This has severe consequences. It leads to health risks, keeps women from work and forces schoolgirls to miss classes, further hindering their education and future job prospects”, the expert said. On health, she noted that, depending on the menstrual flow, a person may need an average of three pads a day but some are using one. For those using tampons, for example, she explained, there’s something called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a serious illness caused by bacterial growth. “Long (over 8 hours) and even using sanitary pads for too long could lead to discomfort or leaks”, Olaribigbe added.

The expert stressed the need to promote proper menstrual hygiene and encourage women to change pads and tampons regularly based on their needs. “Apart from the health implications, there is also the economic impact on adults and children because they will begin to miss work and school”, she said. Olaribigbe explained that, on average, women with regular periods need 3–4 pads changed every three hours. This translates to roughly 15- 20 pads used per 5-day cycle, requiring about 2–2.5 packs of pads.

Experience in the field

Sharing her experience, she said for three years, her NGO provided pads to a young woman who has moved to university now every month and that lifted a burden for her and her family.

“However, we met some girls who resorted to washing and reusing pads, which is a health risk”, Olaribigbe said. “It is a health disaster. Disposable pads are meant for single use, and washing them reduces their effectiveness. These are the two realities I’ve encountered.

Way forward

”Some people sew their reusable pads, which can be cost-effective in the long run. “However, proper hygiene is crucial when reusing pads to prevent infections.

“This requires access to clean water and proper drying methods. For those struggling with access to hygiene resources, other menstrual products like menstrual cups (if culturally appropriate) might be a better option. “Another solution is for government to come to the aid of young girls. Some parts of the world are already giving away free sanitary products to girls in their countries.

“I will give it out to Cortex because sometime last year, they gave out a thousand sanitary pads to different NGOs that are working on menstrual hygiene. “I believe that government can come to the aid of young girls by making policies whereby we can get free sanitary pads access to girls. Especially the girls in the public schools, it will go a very long way.” She further stressed the need to raise awareness of hygiene conditions for reusable pads.

According to World Bank Statistics, though Menstrual Health and Hygiene, MHH, is essential to the well-being and empowerment of women and adolescent girls, on any given day, more than 300 million women worldwide are menstruating. In total, an estimated 500 million people lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), the report shows. The report, therefore, recommends that to effectively manage their menstruation, girls and women require access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, facilities, affordable and appropriate menstrual hygiene materials, information on good practices, and a supportive environment where they can manage menstruation without embarrassment or stigma.

A 65-year-old suspect, Lukman Odejoju has narrated how alcohol packaged in nylon influenced the killing of his mother. 

Vanguard has reported that the suspect killed his mother over palm oil proceed in Kajola village via Apomu, Isokan local government area of Osun state. 

Fielding questions from journalists while he was being paraded at the State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, he said the alcohol popularly referred to as ‘pelebe’ led him to an argument with his mother. 

“We were both arguing inside the farm over handing over of her palm plantation to me but she refused. Amid the argument I pushed and strangled her, but I didn’t know she would die.

“Before I went to the farm, I had taken a sachets of alcohol. It was after the incident it dawned on me that I had committed a grave mistake.

“I adjusted her body and went to the village to bring people back to the scene. It was at the scene I told them what happened.

“I love my mother, I am her eldest surviving child out of five children and I urge the government to forgive because it was not intentional”, he pleaded.

The United States (US) government has different visa for potential immigrants to apply for which will enable them to relocate to, work, and study.  

A US visa is a permit issued by the US government that grants non-citizens entry into the country for certain purposes, such as work, study, or travel.

To apply for a visa, you should carry out some complex but important tasks like filling out the correct forms, providing relevant documents, and paying a fee. 

In some cases, you may also need to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Below are application requirements:

To apply for a US visa, you must meet certain requirements. Applicants should have valid passports and documents demonstrating their purpose of travel, such as employment contracts or educational records. 

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, additional documentation may be required.

You should also be prepared to provide proof of your funds and any medical or other relevant information requested by the American embassy or consulate. 

In addition, you must have evidence of your intention to return home after your authorised stay, if you’re applying for a temporary or nonimmigrant visa.

It’s also important to remember that all documents must be in English or translated into English and that all original documents must be presented with copies at the visa interview.

Types Of US visa

The US offers two types of visas: immigrant and non-immigrant.

An immigrant visa is for those who intend to stay in the US permanently, while a non-immigrant visa is for those who are only in the US temporarily. 

Non-immigrant visas generally allow people to work or study in the US for up to 180 days, while an immigrant visa allows you to stay indefinitely and work without restrictions. 

Non-Immigrant Visas

There are a number of types of non-immigrant visas, and these include:

Work Visa

A work visa allows you to legally work in the US, and all require you to have a firm, concrete job offer in the North American country. Your work visa will be tied to your company- you are not permitted to work for anyone else while you are in the US on a work visa.

The main visas in this category include:

1.C-1/D Visa (Combined Transit and Crewman) – crew members of international flights or ships.

2. E-1 Visa (Treaty Trader) – managers/executives/specialists/supervisors of companies driving trade to the US. 

3. E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor) – managers/executives/specialists/supervisors of companies investing in the US.

4. H-1B Visa (Speciality Occupation Worker) – For highly qualified professionals and people with an academic degree.

5. I Visa (Foreign News Media) – journalists and media representatives.

6. L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee) – internal transfer of employees of all nationalities.

7. L-1 Blanket Visa/Registration – internal transfer of employees with a simplified application process. 

8. O- 1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability) – people with extraordinary skills and abilities.

9. TN Visa – skilled workers from Canada and Mexico.

US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)

In many cases, tourists and visitors will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). However, as a Nigerian citizen, you will need to apply for a specific visa in order to visit. In this case, you will need one of two visas:

i. B-1 Visa (Business Visitor) – business travellers who stay in America for up to 180 days

ii. B-1 Visa (Tourist) – tourists looking to stay in America for up to 180 days 

Internship and student visas

If you are studying in there, taking part in an exchange program, or undertaking an internship, you will need one of two visas:

a. F-1 Visa (Student) – for studying at an American university or college.

b. J -1 Visa (Exchange) – for people who participate in an exchange program in the US (e.g. an internship or training).

Immigrant visa for US (Green Card)

If you have an immigrant visa, you will be permitted to stay in the US on a permanent basis and undertake paid work. The categories of immigrant visas are Employment-based immigration, Family-based immigration, and the Diversity Visa Program. 

Employment-based immigration visas are:

EB-1 (Priority Workers)

EB-2 (Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability

EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers)

EB-4 (Special Immigrants – this includes religious workers) 

EB-5 (Immigration Investor Program)

Family-based visas include:

Spouses and relatives of US citizens, or ofpermanent residents

The Diversity Visa program requires participation in the yearly Green Card Lottery – this is open to citizens of eligible countries, and allows a certain number of people to gain permanent resident status.