In a bid to counter growing speculation and misinformation, the United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a formal clarification concerning the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas issued to Nigerians and other countries.
The Mission emphasized that the decision was driven by technical and security considerations, not political affiliations or immigration controversies.
In a press statement released by the U.S. Mission Nigeria obtained by Breakingng.com, officials underscored that the reduced visa validity is “not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.”
This clarification comes amid circulating reports linking the development to Nigeria’s growing ties with other geopolitical blocs such as BRICS and recent global migration policies.
However, the U.S. Mission dismissed those claims, noting that the changes stem from a broader international policy assessment.
According to the statement, “The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems.”
The U.S. further reiterated its commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, a key strategic partner in Africa.
“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations,” the statement concluded.
The U.S. Mission’s comments appear to be aimed at easing public concerns and reinforcing the bilateral trust between both countries, even as discussions around immigration tighten globally.
Observers expect that further engagement between U.S. and Nigerian immigration authorities will aim to restore longer visa validity periods as Nigeria works to meet the outlined security and technical benchmarks.
