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UN Urges Nigeria’s Private Sector to Bridge Development Funding Gap

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In a powerful call to action, the United Nations has urged Nigeria’s private sector to step up and fill the growing funding gap threatening the nation’s development goals. The plea was made by Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, during a high-level dialogue on financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in Lagos. With international aid shrinking and global economic pressures mounting, Fall emphasized the need for a strategic shift in how Nigeria finances its development. He stated that the country must no longer rely solely on government resources or international donor support. Instead, private investors, corporate bodies, and philanthropists must take a more proactive role in driving sustainable growth. The UN official described Nigeria as a country full of potential, rich in human and natural resources. However, he stressed that to unlock this potential, there must be a collaborative partnership between government, the private...
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US Embassy Announces Updated Visa Interview Requirements for Nigerians

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The United States Embassy has introduced updated visa interview requirements specifically for Nigerian applicants, starting April 22.

In a statement released on Friday, the US mission specified that all individuals going to interviews in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 visa application form that includes a confirmation barcode. This barcode should start with “AA” followed by two zeros.

It's important that the barcode matches the one used when scheduling the interview appointment online.

The embassy has highlighted that presenting mismatched barcode information will lead to denial of entry to the consular section and disqualification from the interview.

“Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You also must make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160.

“Matching Barcode Numbers:  If the confirmation/barcode number on your DS-160 form does not match the one you used to book your appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the Consular Section or attend your visa interview,” the statement read.

Applicants should ensure their alignment is verified at least two weeks prior to their appointment.

Additionally, it's important to note that DS-160 forms previously used are not eligible for reuse. If there is any discrepancy, applicants need to log into their AVITS account and submit a correction request no later than ten days before the interview.

The US mission emphasizes, “Please verify that the barcode number on your DS-160 form aligns with the one you used to schedule your appointment at least two weeks before your interview. Remember, you cannot reuse a DS-160 from a previous application.”

“If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account  at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number.”

Additionally, the US mission reminded applicants to ensure that their visa appointment is scheduled at the location indicated in their DS-160 form.

“If you are turned away from your appointment because your barcode numbers do not match, once you correct the problem, you will need to book a new appointment to proceed with your visa application. You may book a new appointment by logging into your AVITS account at If your visa fee has expired, you may have to pay a new fee before booking,” it added.

The recent updates are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of visa processing and minimizing administrative mistakes.

As of January 1, all visa applicants now need to make two visits to the US Consulate General in Lagos during the application process.

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