US embassy clarifies their stance on the new Visa policy:
The US Mission in Nigeria clarified on Friday that the recent reduction in visa validity for Nigerian non-immigrant applicants from five years to three months was not a reciprocal action to any specific Nigerian government policy.
This statement aimed to address misconceptions that the change was due to Nigeria's stance on third-country deportees, e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.
Instead, the US Embassy stated that the reduction in validity is part of an "ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries."
This review utilizes "technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems."
The US Mission emphasized its continued partnership with Nigeria and expressed commitment to working with Nigerian officials and the public to meet the necessary criteria and benchmarks for "safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations." Nigerian officials had previously criticized the US decision, offering various reasons for the action but deeming it unjustified.