The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, or NDLEA, has a new rule that is causing a lot of talk. Now, married women who want to get a visa must show a letter from their husbands saying it’s okay for them to travel.
This new rule is making people argue about whether it’s fair for women and about their right to choose what they want to do by themselves. Besides the letter from their husbands, these women also need to give a passport photo when they apply for a visa. Many people think this rule is old-fashioned and stops women from traveling easily.
What Nigerians are Saying
People all over Nigeria are talking about this NDLEA rule on the internet. Many think it’s not right because it makes it seem like women need special permission from their husbands to do things like travel.
Here’s what some people are saying online:
“Is a married woman like a little kid? This is happening now, in 2024.”
Is a married woman a minor or /child? This is happening in 2024. 😅😅
— Aunty Onyi (@Sylsweets123) October 10, 2024
“@ndlea_nigeria, this rule is silly and we don’t really need it. Just having a copy of the husband’s passport is enough to know they are married. Nigerian organizations should stop making things tough. They should help instead.”
@ndlea_nigeria, this rule is absurd and unnecessary. The photocopy of his passport is alright just to verify that he or she is truly married, I guess, if anything. Nigerian organizations need to stop stressing nigerians. You guys are there to help and facilitate.
— Olu.b (@Olubayo_) October 10, 2024
“Wow, it’s 2024 and a Nigerian woman still needs her husband’s letter to travel. Think about that.”
“NDLEA says married women must have their husband’s okay letter to travel and his photo. But men don’t need the same. This rule isn’t fair. Are married women like kids?”
NDLEA’s visa clearance requires that a married woman should bring a letter of approval to travel from her husband along with his passport photograph. There is no such rule for men. This is such disgusting government sponsored misogyny. Are married women children?! pic.twitter.com/z1dnS1OORz
— Big Chief Wendy (@MsNwangwa) October 10, 2024
“I got invited to a UN meeting this October. When I saw that I need NDLEA’s letter too for the visa, I was so annoyed. I’m not married, but this rule is still the worst part.”
I got an Invite from the UN to attend a conference this October. Lol the country requires me to submit NDLEA clearance cert as part of its visa requirements. When I saw the list alone for the NDLEA clearance I gave up. I’m not married but this was certainly the most annoying part https://t.co/lbwetVI5Gs
— Dr. NED✨ (@Airtonnie) October 10, 2024
“@ndlea_nigeria, It’s 2024, and married women still need their husband’s okay to travel. Men don’t have to do the same. This old rule is not fair to women.”
@ndlea_nigeria In 2024, it’s unacceptable for married women to require their husband’s permission to travel, while men face no such demand.
This outdated rule undermines women’s autonomy and perpetuates harmful gender inequality. https://t.co/QTjpenPuhq
— 🦋Dimma🦋 (@nancychimdimma) October 10, 2024