US reduced Nigerian visa validity over overstay concerns, records access — Presidency

The Presidency has confirmed that the United States government’s recent decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerian nationals from five-year multiple-entry to three-month single-entry visas is linked to two key concerns: the high rate of visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for reliable access to applicant records.

In an official statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the U.S. government communicated directly with Nigerian authorities, citing the overstay rates and challenges accessing applicant data as the main reasons behind the policy shift.

“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 statement read.

Although the U.S. embassy initially explained the change as a reciprocity measure—a policy of aligning visa conditions with those imposed by other countries—it later clarified that the adjustment was part of a broader, global review of visa processes aimed at ensuring security and compliance.

In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all relevant federal agencies to fully comply with international obligations and enhance inter-agency cooperation to ensure reliable identity verification for Nigerians seeking consular services abroad.

“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,” Onanuga added.

Despite the new U.S. policy, the Nigerian government has announced that it will continue issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens in a bid to maintain goodwill and strengthen bilateral ties.

The Presidency also addressed public concerns over reports of new visa restrictions by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to Onanuga, the Federal Government has not received formal communication from UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy, but observed that transit visa issuance to Nigerians has resumed gradually.

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“The Government appreciates the continued cooperation of the UAE, which remains constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities,” the statement noted, emphasizing that all concerns are being addressed through diplomatic channels.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, the Presidency said the government remains focused on achieving the objectives of its 4-D Foreign Policy agenda—which includes Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demographics.

“President Tinubu 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 concluded.

The Federal Government reiterated its dedication to deepening Nigeria’s strategic partnerships with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates, even as it continues to engage on issues affecting citizens’ mobility and international cooperation.