The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that it has removed the requirement for married women to present a letter of approval from their husbands when applying for visa clearance.

This decision comes as part of an ongoing review of the Agency’s visa clearance procedures.

In a public notice released on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the NDLEA stated that the requirement for married women to provide a letter of consent from their husbands was initially included in the list of requirements due to some “ugly developments” in certain source countries. However, the Agency has since recognized that this requirement is no longer necessary and has decided to remove it from the list.

Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja, assured the public that the requirement has been deleted from the list and will not be included in the revised visa clearance procedures, which will be made public in the coming days.

The NDLEA’s decision to remove the husband’s approval requirement has been welcomed by many as a step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. Some have even described it as a quick win for extreme feminism, highlighting the significance of the move in challenging traditional gender roles and promoting women’s autonomy.

The Agency’s ongoing review of its visa clearance procedures demonstrates its commitment to adapting to changing societal norms and ensuring that its policies are fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.