The Presidency has disputed the claim by the United States government that its revised visa policy toward Nigeria is based on diplomatic reciprocity, insisting that such reasoning does not align with Nigeria’s actual visa practices.
Addressing the matter in a statement on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said contrary to misleading online narratives, President Bola Tinubu has not suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for American citizens.
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“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” the statement noted.
Onanuga explained that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already clarified Nigeria’s position on the new U.S. visa rules affecting Nigerian non-immigrant visa applicants, and reaffirmed that high-level diplomatic efforts are ongoing.
“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that exists between our two friendly nations.”
The Presidency emphasized that the U.S. government’s explanation does not reflect Nigeria’s current visa framework.
“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.
“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.”
The statement clarified that the 90-day single-entry visa referenced by the U.S. applies only to newly introduced electronic visas (e-visas), which serve short-term travelers seeking a faster process.
“The 90-day single-entry visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.
“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion.”
Onanuga added that the digital visa process is part of President Tinubu’s broader goal of boosting foreign investment, tourism, and ease of doing business.
“The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.
Although Nigeria offers e-visa access to U.S. nationals and others, the U.S. has yet to reciprocate, the statement noted.
“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” the Presidency concluded.
