The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently faced significant backlash for requiring married women to provide a letter of approval from their husbands as part of the visa clearance process for international travel. This stipulation was included among the agency’s updated visa requirements and sparked widespread debate over gender equality and women’s rights in Nigeria.
Critics condemned the rule as outdated and indicative of deep-seated patriarchal norms, arguing that it undermines women’s autonomy. Many voices on social media expressed discontent, highlighting that such a requirement treats married women like minors who need permission to travel.
In response to the criticism, the NDLEA announced that it would remove this requirement, stating that the entire visa clearance process is under review. They assured the public that the letter of approval from husbands is no longer a mandatory document.
