NDLEA backtracks on its controversial visa requirement for married women after public outcry, removing the need for spousal approval in visa applications.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reversed its controversial decision requiring married women to present a letter of approval from their husbands when applying for visas.

Also read: NDLEA’s new visa requirement sparks debate on women’s rights

This policy had sparked widespread debate over gender equality and women’s autonomy in Nigeria, leading to intense public criticism.

In a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, the agency clarified that the visa requirement for married women to seek spousal approval has been scrapped.

Babafemi explained that the entire procedure for visa clearance, as required by certain countries, is currently under review.

The contentious requirement for married women to obtain their husbands’ consent was included due to past incidents in specific source countries, but it is no longer mandatory.

“The inclusion of that item initially arose following some ugly developments in some source countries,” the NDLEA explained.

However, the agency assured the public that the item has been deleted from the list of requirements, and the revised procedure will be made public in the coming days.

This decision comes after a wave of criticism from Nigerians, particularly on social media, where the policy was condemned as regressive and a violation of women’s rights.