US visa policy about Nigeria’s alignment with opposing blocs – Bashir Ahmad
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has suggested that the recent adjustment of the United States visa policy for Nigerians is not solely based on the principle of reciprocity, but rather a reflection of Washington’s unease with Nigeria’s shifting global alliances.
Ahmad made this known in a post on X on Tuesday, while reacting to reports that the U.S. had reduced visa validity for Nigerian applicants from five-year multiple entry to a three-month single entry visa.
“I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity,” he wrote.
According to him, the decision may be linked to Nigeria’s deepening ties with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), and the strong signals sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s active engagement with emerging global blocs.
“It appears to reflect growing U.S. discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS,” he added.
Ahmad emphasized that Nigeria is taking control of its future by forming strategic partnerships that are in the country’s best interest.
He added that President Tinubu’s impactful participation at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a clear and powerful message, showing Nigeria’s strength and confidence on the global stage.
He expressed optimism that the country will remain on the right path and overcome any challenges.
Recall that the US government had on Tuesday announced that most Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visas will now only get single-entry three-month visas.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria explained that the change is a response to Nigeria’s own visa policy for American citizens.
“Starting today, the majority of non-immigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerians will be valid for three months and allow only a single entry,” the embassy stated.
US visa policy about Nigeria’s alignment with opposing blocs – Bashir Ahmad
