The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tighter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, describing the move as disproportionate and urging Washington to reconsider the policy in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This development comes amid similar measures by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which recently issued new visa conditions targeting Nigerian travellers. Dubai immigration authorities announced that Nigerian nationals between the ages of 18 and 45 are now ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while applicants aged 45 and above must provide a six-month personal bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 to qualify.

Also on Wednesday, the British High Commission in Abuja released new visa application guidelines for Nigerians seeking to study or work in the United Kingdom, marking a broader tightening of immigration rules by major foreign partners.

The Nigerian government’s response followed the announcement by the US Department of State on Tuesday, which disclosed that, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and restricted to single entry. The affected categories include B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas.

Responding to the development, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed to The PUNCH that the government was closely reviewing the implications of the new US policy.

“We are assessing the new policy and its necessary implications. The government will respond soon after due consultation with relevant stakeholders,” he said.

In a formal statement issued Wednesday and signed by Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the US and called the visa changes “misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.”

“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest,” the statement read. “Such restrictions could significantly affect Nigerian students, professionals, and families pursuing legitimate activities in the United States.”

The FG warned that the policy shift could also undermine cultural and educational exchanges that have historically strengthened US-Nigeria ties.

While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to set immigration policies, Nigeria called on the US government to reconsider its decision in the interest of shared values, global cooperation, and long-term partnership.

The statement added that diplomatic channels are actively being engaged, and Nigeria remains committed to reaching a resolution that ensures fairness for its citizens.

High-Level Engagement Underway

In response to the visa policy changes, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo led a high-level delegation on Wednesday to meet with US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.

Tunji-Ojo, in a post on his official X handle, described the meeting as “constructive,” noting that discussions focused on visa reciprocity and collaborative approaches to strengthen bilateral immigration frameworks.

The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap, and other senior officials.

“The Ambassador provided useful insights into the revised protocol and its consistency with established practices aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the visa process,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He noted that the Nigerian government is implementing several measures to ensure compliance with international standards, including:

1. Issuance of secure travel documents with verified identities.

2. Stricter visa overstay management protocols.

3. Enhanced security information sharing to protect public safety.

The US Embassy clarified that the visa changes are part of a broader global reciprocity review by the State Department and will apply only to visas issued from July 8, 2025, onward. Existing visas remain valid until their expiration.

The embassy emphasised that the revised policy aligns with international visa practices and is designed to preserve the integrity of the US immigration system.