The NDLEA has abolished a rule requiring married women to submit a letter of approval from their husbands for visa clearance. This decision addresses concerns over gender inequality and reinforces women's rights in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing discussions about gender disparities in the country's laws.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has rescinded its controversial requirement mandating married women to present a letter of approval from their husbands for visa clearance. This policy, which sparked significant backlash for its perceived reinforcement of gender inequality, drew attention to broader issues of women's rights in Nigeria. Critics argued that such a stipulation undermined women's autonomy, especially as there was no similar requirement for men.
The NDLEA clarified that the change was made during a review of visa clearance procedures, acknowledging the public's concerns. This requirement was initially implemented as part of measures aimed at curbing drug trafficking and responding to demands from certain countries. The agency emphasized that the need for this approval letter has now been eliminated.
The situation highlighted ongoing gender disparities in Nigerian laws, particularly regarding travel and citizenship rights. For instance, Nigerian women cannot confer citizenship on foreign husbands, while Nigerian men can do so for foreign wives.
