By Adenike Lawal
The United States government has formally notified Nigeria of its decision to reduce the validity period of visas issued to Nigerian nationals, citing a high rate of visa overstays and difficulties in verifying applicant records.
This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, who confirmed that Washington communicated its concerns directly to Nigerian authorities.
According to Onanuga, the decision stems from a routine review under the US global visa reciprocity framework, which aligns visa policies based on how American citizens are treated by other nations.
As a result, Nigerian applicants will now be issued three-month single-entry visas, replacing the previous five-year multiple-entry visas.
Although the move was initially described as reciprocal, Onanuga noted that deeper issues, including overstays and the lack of verifiable applicant data are central to the change.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies to strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and improve collaboration with foreign governments in verifying the identities of visa applicants.
He also called on Nigerians abroad to respect immigration laws in their host countries, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of visas and residence permits issued to them.
Despite the US decision, Nigeria has said it will continue granting five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens as a gesture of goodwill.
The statement also addressed recent developments involving visa applications to the United Arab Emirates UAE.
While there are reports of new conditions for Nigerian transit visa applicants, the Nigerian government clarified that it has received no official notification from the UAE about any policy change.
However, it confirmed that visa processing is ongoing in a gradual and orderly manner.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the UAE’s constructive engagement and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to resolving diplomatic concerns through formal and respectful dialogue.
He assured citizens that his administration remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad, in line with the 4-D Foreign Policy agenda anchored on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Dialogue.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s intention to maintain strong, respectful ties with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates, while ensuring Nigerian travelers and professionals are treated fairly across the world.
