PRESIDENCY DENIES HALTING 5-YEAR VISAS FOR AMERICANS, SAYS NIGERIA COMMITTED TO BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has debunked reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu halted the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens, describing such claims as false, misleading, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic principles.
In a statement released on Monday, the Presidency clarified that the Tinubu administration has never suspended the five-year non-immigrant visa policy for Americans, reaffirming its commitment to existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
“President Tinubu has not stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to US citizens. On the contrary, his administration directed all relevant agencies to fully implement bilateral agreements and maintain reciprocity in foreign relations,” the statement read.
The clarification follows a wave of misinformation circulating online in the wake of the United States’ recent decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerian citizens to 90 days, single entry, a move the US claimed was based on reciprocity.
However, the Nigerian government insists that such justification does not reflect the true situation.
“The US government’s claim of reciprocity does not align with the facts. Nigeria continues to grant US citizens five-year multiple-entry visas, as it always has,” the statement emphasized.
The Federal Government explained that the newly introduced 90-day, single-entry visa category only applies to e-Visas — a short-term visa system designed for ease and speed not to the standard visa system already in place for US nationals.
The e-Visa, which replaces the now-defunct visa-on-arrival, was introduced as part of President Tinubu’s broader reforms to improve Nigeria’s investment climate and promote tourism.
“This category of visa is optional, processed online, and issued within 48 hours without requiring a visit to the Nigerian embassy. It aligns with international best practices and enhances the ease of doing business,” the statement added.
Despite Nigeria’s adoption of the e-Visa for Americans and other nationalities, the US has not offered a reciprocal system for Nigerian applicants.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other senior government officials, is currently in active diplomatic engagement with US authorities to address the recent visa policy adjustments and ensure a fair outcome rooted in mutual respect.
“In the spirit of cooperation and the historically strong partnership between Nigeria and the United States, we are committed to ongoing dialogue to resolve these issues amicably,” the statement concluded.
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