The U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday reaffirmed that the safety and security of the United States remain the cornerstone of its visa application and decision-making process.
The U.S. said this following its directive last week that mandates Nigerians to disclose all social media usernames and handles used over the past five years as part of their visa application.
It said Nigerian visa applicants must provide a comprehensive list of their social media profiles on the DS-160 application form, warning that omitting the handles could lead to visa denials.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Government said U.S. citizens intending to visit Nigeria will be subjected to the same measures.Also, Femi Soneye, former NNPC spokeman, had in an article said the policy does not merely pose a risk to individual visa applicants, it threatens broader societal values such as freedom of expression, cultural authenticity, and civic engagement further straining US–Nigeria relations at a time when collaboration and mutual respect are more important.
However, in a statement released on X, the US Mission said prospective visa applicants undergo careful vetting to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in the US.
It said: “The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process. That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”