The clarification came after widespread media reports quoting a State House statement which suggested that highly skilled Nigerians and artisans would soon be able to live and work in Japan through a special visa arrangement.
In a statement on Monday, Japan’s foreign ministry stressed that while the JICA Africa Hometown initiative will foster cultural and developmental ties between four African countries and four Japanese cities, it does not include any immigration or visa concessions.
Under the programme, Kisarazu was paired with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique. The ministry explained that activities will focus on cultural exchanges and volunteer cooperation, not migration.
It also promised to issue accurate updates on the initiative going forward to avoid further confusion.
