The Federal Government has urged the United States to reconsider its recent decision to impose stricter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, describing the move as “disproportionate” and inconsistent with the principles of mutual respect and reciprocity.
The appeal follows the US government’s announcement of a new visa policy that limits the validity of certain non-immigrant visas, including the B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories, to three months with single entry, a sharp departure from previous terms.
In a statement on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Nigerian government received the news with concern, especially given the historically strong and cordial relationship between both countries.
“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 statement read.
“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 ministry added.
Ebienfa said the decision appears inconsistent with the principles that typically underpin bilateral relations between friendly nations.
He warned that the restrictions would negatively affect students, businesspeople, professionals, and families with genuine travel needs, potentially disrupting educational and cultural exchanges that have defined US-Nigeria ties for decades.
“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,” he said.
He added that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to address the issue, and Nigeria remains committed to achieving a fair and mutually beneficial resolution.
