The United States has clarified that its recent changes to visa regulations for Nigerians are designed to strengthen security and improve service delivery, not to penalise applicants.
Speaking in Abuja during a joint press briefing with Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the adjustments were part of a global review of US visa operations.
“Let me be clear, the United States values its very strong relationship with Nigeria and the many kinds of connections that exist between our two countries. Visa compliance is a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect between our two nations. If you overstay, it can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the US, which we don’t want to see Nigerian citizens face,” Mills stated.
He stressed that the US continues to welcome Nigerians for study, business, tourism, medical treatment, and family reunions, but expects visitors to strictly observe visa regulations.
“We needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities we saw in our visa processing,” he said, noting that the Nigerian government was cooperating to improve information-sharing, including access to criminal records.
The clarification comes after the US Embassy in Nigeria announced reduced validity periods and entry allowances for most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians. Mills urged applicants to be truthful in their submissions, warning that false information could lead to deportation or a lifetime travel ban.
Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed claims that the policy was discriminatory, describing the US as “a key partner in Nigeria’s social and economic development.”
“Myself and the ambassador just had a very useful and productive discussion about US visa laws and how to communicate to the Nigerian people the importance of compliance. The Federal Government will continue to work with the US mission to provide timely and accurate information on visa matters, particularly the importance of compliance,” he said.
Both parties concluded the session with a joint commitment to keep Nigerians informed and to strengthen bilateral relations through transparency, public education, and respect for the law.
