U.S. Clarifies Visa Validity Reduction for Nigerians, Denies Link to Immigration Reforms or BRICS Affiliation

Amid concerns over the recent reduction in the validity period of U.S. nonimmigrant visas for Nigerians, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has clarified that the decision is not a response to Nigeria’s recent immigration reforms or political alignments. The Mission stated that the move is part of a broader global assessment of visa policies based on technical and security considerations.

Since 2023, Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior, under Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has introduced sweeping immigration reforms, including a new digital visa system that replaced the former Visa-on-Arrival policy. Other developments include the e-CERPAC, landing and exit cards, a temporary work permit system, electronic gates at major airports, and a Command and Control Centre aimed at improving traveler experience and border security through technology.

Recent developments, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10% tariff on Nigerian exports—widely viewed as a response to President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the BRICS summit in Brazil—had fueled speculation about a possible link to the visa policy shift. The U.S. Embassy also recently announced a change in visa validity for Nigerians to single-entry, three-month visas.

However, in a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria stressed that the visa validity adjustment was not influenced by Nigeria’s immigration policies, its refusal to accept Venezuelan deportees, or its BRICS engagement. It emphasized that the change is part of a global policy review based on uniform security and technical criteria.

The statement reaffirmed America’s commitment to its relationship with Nigeria, adding that the U.S. will continue to work closely with Nigerian authorities to meet the required benchmarks and facilitate secure, lawful, and beneficial travel between both nations.