Nigeria’s former Permanent Secretary and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has warned that the United States’ latest immigrant visa restrictions could threaten Nigeria’s estimated $24 billion annual remittance inflows.
Keshi, speaking during an interview on Channels Television, said the policy appeared to be deliberately aimed at curbing global remittances, urging the Federal Government to urgently study the motives behind Washington’s action and engage the US authorities strategically.
He cautioned that Nigeria could face serious economic consequences if access to these financial inflows is curtailed, noting that remittances remain a major lifeline for millions of households across the country.
“If we receive over $24 billion annually from Nigerians abroad and remittances are being targeted, that is a huge amount Nigeria stands to lose,” the former diplomat said.
Keshi added that many families who depend largely on funds sent home by relatives overseas could be pushed below the poverty line if the new US policy disrupts the flow of capital.
He also called for proper diplomatic coordination to address what he described as misconceptions about Nigerians in the United States, dismissing claims attributed to former President Donald Trump that a significant number of Nigerians rely on public support.
“Many Nigerians in the US are hardworking people, some working two or three jobs. The narrative that they live off the state is simply not true,” he said.
The warning followed an announcement by the US Department of State on the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria, in what observers see as a major escalation of restrictive immigration policies.
US officials said the measure was aimed at preventing abuse of the American welfare system, arguing that the restrictions would stop foreign nationals deemed likely to become “public charges” from entering the country.
Under the new directive, immigrant visa applications will be paused to allow a reassessment of vetting procedures, while non-immigrant visas such as tourist and business categories are expected to remain unaffected.
