The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the government to stop foreign missions in Nigeria from charging visa and other consular services in foreign denominations.
It has also advised all embassies to adopt Nigeria’s regulatory regime in fixing the exchange rate of the cost of their services.
It said offering consular services in foreign denominations undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.
The EFCC gave the advisory in a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, for onward transmission to all foreign missions in the country.
Diplomatic sources said yesterday that some embassies were wondering whether the EFCC’s advisory represented the position of the Federal Government.
In the letter, the EFCC said it issued the advisory because the practice of paying for consular services in dollars was in conflict ‘with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
It clarified that Section 20(1) makes Naira “the only legal tender in Nigeria.”
The advisory, signed by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, reads in part: “…I wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign Missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the /country in United States Dollar ($).
“This practice is an aberration and unlawful as it conflicts ‘with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.
“It states that “the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount”.
“This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is therefore, illegal.”
The commission added: “The refusal by some Missions to accept the Naira for consular service in Nigeria and also comply with foreign exchange regulatory regime in fixing the exchange of the cost of their services is not only illegal, but represents an affront on the country’s sovereignty symbolized by the national currency. It undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.
“This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.
“In light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all Missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.
“Please accept, as always, the assurances of my highest consideration and respect.”
No official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the EFCC was willing to speak with our correspondent on the advisory.
A diplomat said: “I a circumstance like this; we will engage the Federal Government through diplomatic channels. Our respective countries will also open diplomatic talks with your government.
‘There are some clauses in bilateral and multilateral agreements which may be revisited too. It is premature to speak on this advisory.” (Nation)