LAGOS JULY 10TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Nigeria Government has protested the new United States visa restricts on Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States on non-immigrant visas to single-entry three-month permits as against rolling back up to five-year, multiple-entry visas they enjoyed previously.
“We wish to underscore that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” the statement on the embassy’s website said.
A Nigerian foreign ministry official told local media that Nigeria has no such visa policy towards U.S. citizens.
In June, the Trump administration added Nigeria to a list of 36 countries that could face travel restrictions if they failed to address various security and diplomatic concerns within two months.
According to Reuters, Nigeria received nearly one-fifth of the non-immigrant visas issued by the U.S. government in 2024 in Africa, according to the State Department, and is second only to South Africa on the list of such visas issued for that fiscal year.
Reacting to the new development, the Nigerian Government has urged the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.
The call was made in a statement issued by the spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Wednesday.
The Nigerian government’s reaction to the US visa rule was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The attention of the federal government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories, to three months with single entry.
“The federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.
“Nigeria notes that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.”
Ebienfa further revealed that: “Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.”
Reuters and ThisDay
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