By Itodo Daniel Sule
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) held a peaceful protest at the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Thursday. They were worried about reports that Nigerian students in India are being treated unfairly.
NANS gave the Nigerian government seven days to take action. They said they would continue their peaceful campaigns across the country if nothing is done.
NANS Vice President (Special Duties) Comrade Abubakar Mallawa told journalists that the protest was not against India. It was a call for fairness and respect for Nigerian students living abroad.
He explained that some Nigerian students and business owners in India have faced big problems. Some have trouble renewing their visas, have been arrested because of immigration issues, or have been denied rental homes just because they are Nigerian. Others have had their shops closed, goods taken away, or even been forced into detention under harsh conditions.
NANS also said the visa process is confusing. Many students pay fees but are sometimes denied visas without being told why. Some have to write letters to explain themselves, but no clear answers are given. They also noted that Nigerian students are charged more than students from other African countries.
On housing, the group said that some hotels and landlords refuse to rent to Nigerians, even when the paperwork is correct.
NANS reminded everyone that Nigeria and India have strong diplomatic and business ties. Nigerians in India deserve to be treated fairly, just like Indians living in Nigeria.
The students asked for a full investigation into the reported problems. They want consular support for Nigerians in detention, fair visa processes, and an end to discrimination in housing, hotels, jobs, and businesses.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act quickly to protect Nigerian students and citizens abroad.