The United States has not reversed its recently imposed visa restrictions on certain Nigerian citizens, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated, “Engagements are ongoing but the policy is yet to be reversed so far.”
This development indicates that the visa limitations which have raised concerns across sectors remain in effect, as Washington has yet to formally respond to Nigeria’s call for a review.
The United States had earlier revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of specific non-immigrant visas including the B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories to three months, with single-entry access. Previously, many of these visa classes were issued for up to two years with multiple entries.
In response, the Federal Government described the action as a disproportionate and concerning move. A statement issued last month by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the restrictions as inconsistent with the principles of equity and reciprocity that underpin relations between friendly nations.
The government warned that the new measures could negatively impact legitimate travellers including students, professionals, and families and urged the U.S. government to reconsider its stance.
“The decision could strain cultural and educational exchanges that have historically been a cornerstone of US-Nigeria relations,” the government noted, while acknowledging the United States’ sovereign right to determine its immigration policies.
Diplomatic sources indicate that high-level engagements between both countries are ongoing. However, there is no clear timeline for when, or if, the restrictions will be lifted.
