No Special Visa For Skilled Nigerians – Japan Responds, Tinubu’s Govt Reacts

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn its earlier claim that Japan created a special visa category for highly skilled Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu for work and residence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The clarification comes after the Japanese Foreign Ministry debunked the reports, which had initially gained wide coverage locally and internationally.

The controversy began after the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled its new initiative, “JICA Africa Hometown,” during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama. Under the scheme, JICA designated four Japanese cities to build stronger ties with four African countries.

In its initial statement dated August 22, signed by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Nigerian government had claimed that Japan planned to introduce a special visa for innovative young Nigerians and skilled artisans seeking opportunities in Kisarazu.

However, following Japan’s denial, Oladunjoye issued a correction on Wednesday, clarifying that JICA only named Kisarazu as Nigeria’s official “Hometown” under the initiative—without any mention of a visa programme.

The corrected statement explained that Kisarazu’s selection was symbolic, aimed at strengthening cultural and municipal ties. Other designations include Nagai (Tanzania), Sanjo (Ghana), and Imabari (Mozambique).

Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, alongside Kisarazu’s Mayor, Mr. Watanabe Yoshikuni, received the certificate confirming the city’s new status. Notably, Kisarazu had previously hosted the Nigerian contingent during training camps for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.