The House of Representatives has called on the United States government to reinstate the five-year multiple entry visa previously granted to Nigerian citizens, expressing concern over the recent reduction to a three-month single entry visa.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need for the United States to Review Its Visa Policy in Light of Nigeria-U.S. Strategic Partnership,” was sponsored by Muhammad Mukhtar and four other lawmakers.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Mukhtar noted that the U.S. Department of State’s July 8, 2025 decision to shorten Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity would have far-reaching effects on Nigerians across various sectors.
“The new three-month single-entry visa policy will severely impact businesses, disrupt academic plans, and place unnecessary strain on families and members of the diaspora,” he said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s expectation of monthly diaspora remittances totaling $1 billion, warning that such financial inflows could be jeopardized if travel becomes uncertain or complicated.
The lawmakers emphasized that the decision came despite the longstanding diplomatic and bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States—one built on mutual interests, democratic values, and active collaboration on issues such as security, trade, education, and cultural exchange.
They pointed to the consistent efforts of the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, which has fostered legislative diplomacy and engaged regularly with American legislators and institutions in Washington D.C., New York, Utah, and other jurisdictions to strengthen ties and cooperation.
The House also acknowledged the U.S. Independence Day celebration in Abuja, where the Chairman of the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group reaffirmed both countries’ enduring ties.
Lawmakers further stated that Nigerians living in the U.S. represent one of the most accomplished immigrant communities, making significant contributions to fields like healthcare, technology, academia, and public service.
According to the House, the new visa policy risks undermining decades of bilateral goodwill and shared efforts in promoting democracy, fighting terrorism, and advancing mutual development goals.
They also referenced a recent visit by the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group to the United States, during which members held discussions with U.S. lawmakers, State Department officials, and policy institutions.
Following the debate, the House formally urged the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and the U.S. Department of State to reverse the new visa restrictions and restore the previous five-year multiple entry visa arrangement as a sign of mutual respect and fairness.
In addition, the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group was mandated to officially communicate the House’s position to the U.S. Congress, the Department of State, and the American embassy in Abuja, while intensifying efforts to strengthen bilateral legislative diplomacy.
The House also tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with engaging the U.S. government diplomatically to prevent further damage to bilateral relations and to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens.
Finally, the lawmakers called for continued dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions—both governmental and non-governmental to resolve outstanding issues related to security, human rights, and policy misperceptions that may hinder the advancement of shared democratic and economic goals.
