President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to all relevant federal agencies in Nigeria, urging full compliance with international protocols following recent changes in the United States' non-immigrant visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens.
The U.S. Department of State recently updated its policy, stating that most non-diplomatic, non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be valid for only three months and allow a single entry into the United States.
These changes became effective immediately, though visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria emphasized that visa reciprocity is an ongoing process and subject to review and change.
According to a statement from President Tinubu's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the U.S. government officially communicated that its decision was based on two primary factors:
1. The current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals. A Department of Homeland Security report indicated that Nigeria had a 7% overstay rate with 6,000 overstays in 2023.
2. The need for reliable access to their records.
The U.S. further explained that this adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed for permitted entries and validity durations. Visa reciprocity is a principle where two countries agree to give each other's citizens similar treatment regarding visa requirements, aiming for a balanced and fair approach.
In response, President Tinubu has:
1. Directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria's international obligations.
2. Called for strengthening "inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad." This includes relevant ministries like Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Communications creating a single verification window for foreign consulates to confirm passports, biometrics, and conduct criminal-record searches in real-time.
3. Urged Nigerians living overseas to adhere to the immigration laws of their host countries and uphold the integrity of their permits and privileges.
Regarding the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa policy, the Nigerian government stated that there has been no official communication from Emirati authorities about new restrictions. However, it has observed that visa issuance is "currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner."
The Nigerian government also noted that it has not deviated from granting U.S. citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, clarifying that the 90-day single-entry visa applies to Nigeria's newly introduced e-Visas for short-term tourists and business people.