Nigeria Protests U.S. Visa Restrictions, Calls for Fairness in Bilateral Relations

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The Nigerian government has formally appealed to the United States to reconsider its new visa policy that reduces the validity period for non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians from five years to just three months, calling the move inconsistent with diplomatic reciprocity.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa expressed Nigeria’s concerns, stating that the revised policy—which affects tourist (B1/B2), student (F), and exchange visitor (J) visas—imposes undue hardship on Nigerian travelers.

“While we respect the sovereign right of nations to set their immigration rules, this decision does not align with the principles of equity, mutual respect, and reciprocity that should define relations between friendly countries,” the statement read.

The ministry highlighted the adverse effects of the policy, noting that it disproportionately impacts Nigerian students, business professionals, families, and cultural exchange participants. “This restriction creates unnecessary barriers for Nigerians seeking educational, professional, and personal opportunities in the U.S.,” it added.

The statement assured that Nigeria is engaging diplomatically with U.S. authorities to seek a fair resolution. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to constructive dialogue to ensure a balanced and mutually beneficial outcome,” it said.

The appeal follows a U.S. Embassy announcement on Tuesday, July 8, attributing the policy change to efforts to address visa overstays. The embassy clarified that visas issued before the effective date remain valid under their original terms.

Non-immigrant visas constitute the majority of U.S. visa approvals for Nigerian citizens annually. The Nigerian government’s response underscores its commitment to protecting the interests of its citizens in international engagements.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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