The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to engage with US authorities regarding the recent suspension of the drop box service for Nigerians renewing their visas.
This move follows concerns over the impact of the decision on applicants who previously benefited from a streamlined renewal process.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, disclosed the government’s intentions while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday.
Oke, who is currently in the United States, assured that he would take up the matter with Nigerian diplomatic officials in Washington, D.C., in a bid to find a resolution.
While addressing the issue, Oke downplayed the significance of the suspension, stating that Nigeria does not offer a similar service to American citizens renewing their Nigerian visas.
He emphasized that the US government has the right to implement changes to its visa procedures, citing diplomatic principles of reciprocity.
Oke also pointed out disparities in visa validity periods between both nations. He noted that until recently, the US issued two-year visas to Nigerians, whereas Nigeria granted American citizens only one-year visas.
The US later extended its visa duration for Nigerians to five years, but Nigeria maintained the one-year limit until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed the Minister of Interior to implement a five-year validity period for American applicants.
Despite the drop box suspension, Oke expressed optimism that the US government might reconsider some of its policies toward Nigeria.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s significance on the global stage, stating that the country remains a key player in international affairs.
The drop box service, which facilitated easier visa renewals for applicants with recent US travel history, was reportedly discontinued over the weekend.
As a result, all visitor visa applicants in Nigeria must now attend in-person interviews for renewals, increasing the burden on applicants and visa processing times.
