Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has attributed the United States’ recent visa restrictions on Nigeria to what he described as the country’s persistent reluctance to confront terrorism and those funding it.
In a statement released on Friday, Frank said the policy introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration—which targets terrorism financiers and sympathizers in Nigeria—signals rising international frustration with Abuja’s handling of insecurity.
Frank applauded President Trump and members of the U.S. Congress for what he called “decisive steps” aimed at curbing terror financing with links to Nigeria.
According to him, the development has mounted critical pressure on Nigerian authorities, pushing them toward greater transparency and accountability.
Describing the measure as “a welcome development,” Frank said it underscores Washington’s resolve to strengthen global security, adding that the restrictions mirror the concerns long raised by Nigerians about the government’s slow response to terror-related investigations.
He further criticized the Nigerian government for withholding details of individuals reportedly identified by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as terror financiers in earlier probes.
Frank alleged that political interests and interference had stalled meaningful action on the matter.
READ ALSO: Timi Frank Urges Tinubu to Sack Service Chiefs Amid Worsening Insecurity
According to him, Nigeria has the capacity to clamp down on insecurity but continues to fall short due to corruption and political considerations that undermine national security efforts.
Frank also cautioned the U.S. against sharing sensitive intelligence with Nigerian security agencies until the government publicly releases the list of alleged terror sponsors and provides assurances of accountability.
“If President Trump had not stepped in, our leaders would still be turning a blind eye,” he stated. “This intervention has exposed what our own authorities have refused to confront and offers Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can finally come to an end.”