The Presidency has provided clarity on the recent decision by the United States government to reduce visa validity for Nigerian citizens.
In a shift from its previous policy, the US issued three-month single-entry visas to Nigerian applicants, replacing the earlier five-year multiple-entry option.
While the US Embassy in Nigeria initially attributed the change to a global visa policy review, it later emphasized that reciprocity played role.
However, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the US government formally cited two main reasons for the adjustment: the high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for dependable access to applicants’ records.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records,” the statement read.
The US also reiterated that the revised visa policy aligns with its global visa reciprocity framework, which is periodically assessed and can be adjusted based on entry terms and validity periods.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu has directed all relevant federal agencies to ensure full adherence to Nigeria’s international obligations and to improve collaboration with foreign governments in verifying the identities of individuals requesting consular services abroad.
The President also urged Nigerians living overseas to obey immigration laws in their host countries and maintain the integrity of the travel documents and privileges granted to them.
