Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the United States is yet to reverse the recent visa restrictions imposed on certain categories of Nigerian citizens, the Federal Government confirmed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that discussions were still in progress but that no positive outcome had been reached.
“Engagements are ongoing but the policy is yet to be reversed so far,”
Ebienfa said.
The US had recently amended its visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity of specific non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) to a single entry over a three-month period.
In a statement issued last month, the Federal Government expressed concern over what it described as a disproportionate response by Washington.
It described the move as inconsistent with the principles of equity and reciprocity expected between friendly nations.
The government also warned that the changes could adversely affect legitimate travellers, including students, professionals, and families.
The statement called for a reconsideration of the sanctions, urging the US to act in the spirit of mutual respect and long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.
While acknowledging the US’s sovereign right to set its immigration policies, the Federal Government maintained that the decision could strain cultural and educational exchanges that had historically been pillar of US-Nigeria relations.
