Nigeria’s federal government has formally urged the United States to revisit its revised visa policies, which now restrict Nigerian nationals to single-entry, three-month visas for categories including B1/B2 (tourism/business), F (students), and J (exchange visitors). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, voiced deep concern, emphasizing that the change appears inconsistent with principles of reciprocity, fairness, and mutual respect between longstanding allies .
The revised policy—effective July 8, 2025—marks a significant reduction from previous multi-entry, up-to-five-year visas, potentially impeding the travels of students, businesspeople, families, and others engaged in cultural and educational exchange . While Nigeria respects each country’s sovereign immigration decisions, it views this change as burdensome to its citizens and a disruption of the fluid cooperation that has underscored US–Nigeria relations .
In response, the Nigerian government has initiated diplomatic channels to seek redress, appealing for reconsideration in the spirit of partnership and shared global responsibility . The US Embassy in Abuja has clarified that visas issued before July 8 remain valid under the previous terms, and underscored that such visa revisions are normal under global reciprocity standards .
