By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigerian Government on Wednesday formally appealed to the United States Government to reconsider its recent decision to revise visa reciprocity terms for Nigerian citizens, describing the move as troubling and misaligned with longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The call was made in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the United States Department of State had on Tuesday limited non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria to a single-entry with a three-month validity period.
In its statement, the US Mission in Nigeria said the move aligned with the Donald Trump administration’s reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period,” the statement read.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry noted that the US has reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian nationals—specifically B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories—to a single-entry visa valid for only three months, marking a sharp departure from previous visa arrangements.
“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” the Nigerian Government stated.
Nigeria further noted that the new visa restriction imposes an undue burden on various categories of Nigerian travellers, including students pursuing academic advancement, professionals engaged in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and those involved in cultural and educational exchanges.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities,” the statement continued.
The Ministry confirmed that diplomatic channels are actively being explored to address the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to a resolution that promotes fairness and mutual interest.
Ebienfa emphasized that “diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest”.
