U.S. Clarifies Reasons Behind Shorter Visa Validity for Nigerians, Denies Political Motive

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that the recent reduction in the validity period for most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens is not politically motivated.

In a formal statement, the U.S. Mission addressed growing concerns and speculations, stating that the decision is part of a broader global review based on technical and security evaluations, aimed at strengthening the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.

“The reduction is not related to any country’s position on third-country deportees, e-visa policies, or affiliations with international blocs like BRICS,” the statement read. It further explained that the change is a routine assessment using global benchmarks.

This comes amidst widespread public debate and rumors suggesting that Nigeria’s growing ties with BRICS or its refusal to accept asylum seekers and deportees from the United States may have triggered the policy change.

Diplomatic sources claim that Nigeria’s rejection of a U.S. request to host Venezuelan deportees played a role in the new visa restrictions. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, reinforced this stance during an interview on Channels Television, stating that Nigeria cannot be used as a dumping ground for deported prisoners.

“We already have 230 million people. We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees, some of whom are coming straight from U.S. prisons,” Tuggar said.

As of July 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of State implemented a policy restricting most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens to single-entry visas valid for only three months. However, existing visas issued before that date remain unaffected.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Presidency has dispelled reports suggesting it has suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens. Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga labelled such claims as “fake news,” reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to all bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.

According to the Presidency, President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed that Nigeria should uphold its diplomatic agreements with other nations, emphasizing mutual respect and balanced international cooperation.