Presidency denies reports of visa policy halt for U.S. citizens in Nigeria

The Presidency has refuted claims suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visas to United States citizens, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified that Nigeria’s visa policy towards U.S. citizens remains unchanged and fully aligned with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.

“President Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens. Nigeria remains committed to all subsisting bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” Onanuga stated.

He explained that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu directed the implementation of all standing bilateral treaties and partnerships, including visa arrangements.

Reacting to recent confusion surrounding the U.S. government’s new visa measures for Nigerians, the statement emphasized that Nigeria still grants American citizens five-year non-immigrant visas as usual.

Onanuga noted that the misunderstanding might have arisen due to the introduction of Nigeria’s new 90-day single-entry e-visa, designed for tourists and short-term business travelers seeking a faster online application process. This system, which replaces the old visa-on-arrival option, is intended to improve efficiency and curb abuse, with approvals processed within 48 hours.

He stressed that this change applies solely to the e-visa category and does not affect the standard visa application process available at Nigerian embassies, where U.S. citizens can still obtain five-year visas.

Furthermore, the Presidency pointed out that while Nigeria continues to extend this courtesy to American travelers, the U.S. has yet to reciprocate by offering a similar visa arrangement for Nigerians, urging U.S. authorities to reconsider their stance.

Onanuga assured Nigerians and the international community that officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies are actively engaging with their U.S. counterparts to address any areas of misunderstanding and restore full alignment in visa policies.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to fostering long-standing cooperation and mutual respect with the United States through ongoing diplomatic dialogue.