The Nigerian presidency has denied reports suggesting that the United States government’s recent visa restrictions on Nigerians were in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged decision to stop issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens.
NaijaBlog reports that the presidency issued a statement on Thursday, July 11, through Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, clarifying that President Tinubu has never suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visas to American citizens.
According to the statement, upon assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu directed that Nigeria implement all existing bilateral agreements and uphold the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.
Background to the US Visa Policy Change
The clarification follows the U.S. State Department’s decision to limit most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry visas valid for just three months. The move sparked public outrage and speculation that it was a retaliatory measure.
Some online reports had claimed the U.S. was responding to Nigeria’s alleged withdrawal of the 5-year multiple-entry visa for American citizens.
Onanuga, however, described the reports as “misinformation and fake news.”
“Contrary to misinformation circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens,” the statement read.
“The Nigerian government continues to honour bilateral agreements, including visa reciprocity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already clarified Nigeria’s position and continues engaging with U.S. authorities.”
Presidency: Reciprocity Claim by US Not Accurate
The presidency stated that while the United States cited reciprocity as the reason for its recent visa changes, that justification does not align with current Nigerian policy.
“We reiterate that the U.S. claim of reciprocity does not reflect the actual situation,” the presidency said. “Nigeria still grants U.S. citizens 5-year multiple-entry visas — and expects the same.”
Additionally, it clarified that the newly introduced e-Visa system — which issues a 90-day single-entry visa — applies only to short-term travelers, such as tourists and business visitors, who opt for a faster online application.
“The new e-Visa system, introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service, replaces the inefficient visa-on-arrival policy,” the statement noted. “Applicants receive approval within 48 hours, and the process does not require physical appearance at an embassy.”
Tinubu’s Visa Reforms Aim to Boost Trade and Tourism
The statement emphasized that the e-Visa system is part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to promote ease of doing business and boost tourism, investment, and trade in Nigeria.
“The e-visa aligns with President Tinubu’s reforms to make Nigeria more attractive to global investors and tourists,” Onanuga added. “However, while Nigeria offers e-visas to U.S. citizens, the U.S. has yet to extend a similar system to Nigerians.”
Despite the current visa limitations, the presidency affirmed that diplomatic channels remain open.
“In the spirit of mutual understanding and decades of cooperation, the Tinubu-led administration will continue engaging with U.S. authorities to resolve these issues,” the statement concluded.