The Presidency has outlined two main reasons behind the United States’ recent decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerian applicants—from five-year multiple-entry visas to three-month single-entry visas.
In a statement issued by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the US government cited the high rate of visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for reliable access to applicant records as the key factors influencing the change.
Although the US initially claimed the decision was based on reciprocity, it later clarified that the move was part of a broader global review of its visa policies.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records,” the statement read.
In response, President Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to fully comply with international obligations and improve cooperation in verifying the identities of Nigerians seeking consular services abroad.
He also urged Nigerians to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and maintain the integrity of the privileges granted to them.
Despite the US policy shift, the statement confirmed that Nigeria will continue to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens.
On the separate issue of UAE visa restrictions, the Presidency noted that the Nigerian government has not yet received any formal notification from UAE authorities regarding changes to transit visa conditions for Nigerians.
See the full statement below:
“ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VISA ISSUANCE POLICIES BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining and strengthening the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations with the Governments of the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates.
“The recent changes in visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens by these two countries have received the attention of the Federal government. Relevant Nigerian Ministries, Departments and Agencies are actively engaging to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records. It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations.
Read Also: Tinubu orders swift action on US, UAE visa concerns
“In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad. The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions.
“Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy. However, it is observed that visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner.
“The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities. Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
“The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank.
“He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s valued bilateral relations with the Governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”
