Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has explained that the United States, under President Donald Trump, recently imposed visa restrictions on Nigeria due to the country’s perceived reluctance to decisively tackle terrorism and its sponsors.
Frank made this known in a statement on Friday.
The US introduced a policy to restrict visas for terrorism financiers and sympathizers in Nigeria.
Reacting, Frank commended U.S. President Trump and members of Congress for measures aimed at addressing terror financing linked to Nigeria.
He said the move has placed pressure on Nigerian authorities to act more transparently on issues of insecurity.
Frank described the action as “a welcome development” and a sign of the U.S. government’s commitment to global security efforts.
According to Frank, the visa restrictions represent significant international pressure that he believes has compelled Nigerian authorities to revisit longstanding concerns about terror financing.
He also criticized the Nigerian government for failing to publicly release details of terror financiers allegedly identified by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during previous investigations.
He claimed political interference has hindered progress in naming and prosecuting such individuals.
Frank argued that corruption and political interests have weakened Nigeria’s response to rising insecurity, despite the country having the capacity to address the challenge.
He further urged the U.S. government to be cautious in sharing intelligence with Nigerian authorities until there is full public disclosure of the reported list of terror sponsors and assurances of accountability.
“Let it be clearly stated: if President Trump had not stepped in, Nigeria’s leaders would still be looking the other way,” Frank declared.
“Their intervention has exposed what our own leaders have refused to confront and has given Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can end.”