Presidency denies 5-year U.S. visa ban, reaffirms reciprocity commitment

The Nigerian Presidency has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that the country has halted the issuance of 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visas to United States citizens, insisting that the policy remains unchanged and is rooted in existing bilateral agreements and reciprocity principles.

The clarification came in a statement issued Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, following growing public concern over recent changes to the United States’ visa issuance terms for Nigerian nationals.

“Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens,” Onanuga stated. “This policy remains consistent with our bilateral commitments and the principle of reciprocity.”

Earlier this month, the U.S. government announced a significant shift in its visa policy for Nigerians, reducing the validity of most non-immigrant visas to single-entry, 90-day limits. While the U.S. cited “reciprocity” as the reason, Nigerian authorities have challenged that assertion.

“The US government’s claim of reciprocity does not reflect the actual situation,” Onanuga said. “The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting 5-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens.”

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The Presidency reiterated that the long-term visa policy for U.S. nationals remains in effect, and that Nigerians continue to receive similar treatment from the United States in select categories.

The statement also addressed confusion surrounding Nigeria’s newly introduced e-Visa system, which allows for 90-day single-entry visas. Onanuga clarified that this is a separate travel category, designed specifically for short-term visitors — primarily tourists and business travelers.

“The e-Visa is not a replacement for long-term visas. It is an added option designed to improve efficiency and support Nigeria’s broader economic agenda,” Onanuga explained.

He added that the initiative aligns with the Tinubu administration’s efforts to boost tourism, enhance ease of doing business, and make Nigeria more attractive to global investors.

Foreign policy analysts have welcomed the clarification, calling on both governments to prioritize fairness in visa policy implementation.

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“What Nigeria is doing reflects a desire to maintain diplomatic balance and operational efficiency,” said Dr. Nkem Adebayo, a lecturer in international relations at the University of Abuja. “The U.S. should consider extending similar privileges, especially given the strategic partnership between the two nations.”

“The e-Visa is a smart move,” added Tope Folarin, a travel policy expert. “It shows Nigeria is adapting to global trends while maintaining high-level diplomatic standards.”

The statement confirmed that high-level diplomatic engagements are ongoing between Nigeria and the United States to resolve outstanding visa issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading efforts to ensure that future policies reflect mutual respect and fairness, reinforcing the strong and historic ties between both countries.

In conclusion, the Presidency urged the public to disregard false reports and rely only on official government channels for accurate information.

“The Tinubu administration remains committed to transparent international engagement and ensuring that Nigerian citizens receive fair treatment abroad, just as we continue to treat our partners with equal respect,” Onanuga concluded.