THE Federal Government has rejected visa policies which require Nigerians to pay in foreign currencies.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, stated the government’s stand at a meeting with the Diplomatic Corps on Thursday in Abuja.

The United Kingdom had on December 4 this year announced a new visa regime whereby applicants for visa would pay online in US dollars.

Press and Public Affairs Officer at the UK office, Mr. Rob Fitzpatrick, said in a statement that the new system would begin on Dec. 16.

But the minister, who faulted what she called “illegal” policy, ordered all foreign missions in Nigeria to stop it because it was a flagrant assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

She said, “It has come to our notice that some diplomatic and consular missions in Nigeria charge visa and other consular fees in foreign currencies.

“This is totally unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith. Charging fees in foreign currencies is an illegal act that clearly violates the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No self-respecting nation can accept such a flagrant assault on the symbol of its nationhood.”

Onwuliri said Nigeria would not break despite speculations from some quarters.

“Despite the differences, Nigeria is still willing to be one. We will not break up,” she assured.

-Punch