The embargo on the issuance of British visa clamped down last year on first-time Nigerian applicants aged between 18 and 30 which was greeted with outrage has been lifted.The British Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw, announced the lifting of the embargo yesterday in Abuja when he delivered this year’s Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture, titled "Africa: A New Agenda", saying it would take effect from next month.

On the occasion attended by top level guests from across the country, he expressed worry with the rate at which Africans were migrating from the continent, pointing out that Nigerians were leading the pack of African asylum seekers in Britain.

He advised that the number should drop significantly since Nigeria is not involved in socio-political upheaval, adding that a new law in Britain now makes it easier to repatriate asylum seekers.The British secretary explained that the restrictions to be lifted were hinged on the United Kingdom’s belief in the process of well managed migration that is positive to the community, making it more vibrant and more diverse.

He disclosed that Nigerians in the UK were repatriating back home to Nigeria yearly about N2 billion, saying, however, this was yet to impact significantly on the Nigerian economy.Saying good governance ensures a contented population with no one running off into exile, he expressed the hope that improvements in information technology would make African governments more accountable to their people.He said the UK was very supportive of giving Africa slots in the United Nations Security Council

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