The Federal Government has rejected the United States’ justification for restricting Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry permits valid for only three months.
According to 9am News report, the Presidency clarified that Nigeria did not stop issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to US citizens, contrary to claims made by the US Embassy in Abuja.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Tinubu administration stressed that the country’s visa policy towards Americans remains unchanged and consistent with longstanding bilateral agreements.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens. This remains in line with the principle of reciprocity and our bilateral agreements,” the statement read.
The Presidency explained that Nigeria’s newly introduced 90-day single-entry electronic visa (e-Visa) is entirely different from standard visa categories. The e-Visa was designed to replace the inefficient visa-on-arrival system, offering a fast and streamlined online option for tourists and short-term business visitors.
“The e-Visa is part of President Tinubu’s broader reforms to boost tourism and the ease of doing business. Applicants receive approval within 48 hours without needing to visit an embassy,” Onanuga stated.
Speaking further, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar linked the US policy shift to Nigeria’s refusal to accept 300 prisoners deported from Venezuela, describing the pressure as “unfair.”
“We have our own challenges and can’t accept Venezuela’s deportees. We’re engaging with the US but won’t bow to unreasonable pressure,” Tuggar said during a national television interview.
He added that the Tinubu government remains committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic channels while urging the US to reciprocate Nigeria’s goodwill by maintaining multiple-entry visas for Nigerians.
Ghana Faces Same Restrictions
The US has also imposed similar visa restrictions on Ghanaian citizens, limiting business, tourism, and student visas to single entries valid for three months. Diplomatic visas are exempt.
A circular from the US Department of State confirmed the updated rules for Ghana, highlighting a wider tightening of visa policies for some African countries.
Despite the tensions, the Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Washington while continuing to implement visa reforms that align with global best practices.
“We are ready to keep engaging with our American counterparts in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership that has defined US-Nigeria relations for decades,” Onanuga concluded.
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