The Federal Government has moved swiftly to debunk circulating misinformation, clarifying that Nigeria continues to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens in line with existing bilateral agreements.
In an official statement released Thursday by Bayo Onanuga Media and Strategy Adviser to President Tinubu, the Federal Government emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to upholding diplomatic reciprocity while seeking fair treatment for Nigerian travelers to the US.
The clarification comes amid online reports falsely claiming that Nigeria had suspended long-term visa issuance to American nationals. “Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity,” the statement read.
The Government noted that upon assuming office, President Tinubu immediately directed full compliance with all international agreements, ensuring that Nigeria’s visa policies reflect mutual respect in diplomatic relations.
“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” the statement added.
Nigeria Seeks Fair Treatment Amid US Visa Restrictions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaging with US authorities over recent changes to America’s non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians. While the US cited reciprocity as justification for its stricter measures, the Nigerian government insists the claim does not align with reality.
“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation,” the statement declared. “The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.”
Clarifying the E-Visa Policy
A key point of confusion has been Nigeria’s introduction of an e-visa system, which offers a 90-day single-entry permit for short-term visitors. The Presidency clarified that this is a separate category from the standard five-year visa and is designed to streamline travel for tourists and business visitors.
“The 90-day single-entry visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait,” the statement explained.
“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.”
The e-visa initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to enhance Nigeria’s investment climate and tourism sector.
“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals,” the statement noted. “Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.”
Nigeria Calls for Reciprocal Treatment
Despite Nigeria’s adoption of the e-visa system for US citizens and other nationalities, the US has not extended a similar concession to Nigerians. The Presidency expressed concern over this imbalance but reiterated its commitment to diplomatic engagement.
“Although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians,” the statement pointed out.
Commitment to Continued Dialogue
The Tinubu administration emphasized its dedication to resolving the issue through constructive discussions with US authorities. “In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterized the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” the statement concluded.
Discussion about this post