By James Adamu in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to strengthen identity verification systems Nigerians seeking consular services, following recent changes to visa policies by the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The move comes as the Federal Government addresses concerns over visa restrictions affecting Nigerian travellers, with the US citing “the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records” as key reasons for its policy adjustments.
The development follows weeks of diplomatic engagements after the US government revised its visa validity terms for Nigerian applicants under what it described as a “global visa reciprocity process.”
According to a State House press statement on Tuesday, “the United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records.”
The US further clarified that the adjustments, including changes to the number of permitted entries and validity durations, were part of routine reviews subject to modification.
In response, President Tinubu has mandated full compliance with international obligations, emphasising inter-governmental cooperation.
“The President has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad,” the statement noted.
The directive aims to streamline document verification processes, ensuring that Nigerian applicants meet the updated requirements of host countries.
The Presidency also addressed reports of new conditions for UAE transit visas, though it confirmed that Abu Dhabi had not formally communicated any revised policy.
“Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy,” the statement clarified.
However, it observed that “visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner,” suggesting that while procedural changes may be in effect, they have not been officially confirmed.
Nigeria’s diplomatic channels remain open, with Tinubu’s administration expressing appreciation for the UAE’s cooperation. “The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities,” the statement affirmed.
It added that any concerns were being addressed through “appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.”
The Federal Government reassured Nigerians of its commitment to protecting their interests abroad, aligning with Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda. “The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world,” the statement emphasised.
This includes upholding the rights of the diaspora while encouraging compliance with host countries’ immigration laws. “The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions,” it further noted.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to strong bilateral relations with both nations. “The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining and strengthening the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations with the Governments of the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates,” it declared.
Background to the Visa Policy Shifts
The latest developments follow a history of visa related negotiations between Nigeria and several countries, primarily driven by concerns over immigration compliance. The US had previously imposed similar restrictions in 2020, limiting Nigerian applicants to single entry visas, a policy that was later reviewed. Overstay rates and document authentication challenges have frequently influenced these decisions, prompting Nigerian authorities to improve data sharing mechanisms with international partners.
The UAE, meanwhile, has periodically adjusted its visa rules for Nigerian travellers, including the introduction of pre approval requirements for certain categories. While no sweeping bans have been announced, the gradual processing of applications indicates tighter scrutiny, likely linked to broader security and immigration management strategies.
President Tinubu’s directive on ID verification aligns with ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s identity management systems, including the expanded use of the National Identification Number (NIN) and biometric upgrades. By enhancing inter-agency coordination, the government aims to reduce bottlenecks for legitimate travellers while addressing foreign governments’ concerns over documentation reliability.
As diplomatic talks continue, the Federal Government’s measured response reflects a balancing act—safeguarding Nigerians’ mobility rights while reinforcing the importance of adherence to global immigration standards. With identity verification now a priority, the success of these efforts may determine future visa policy negotiations with key international partners.
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