The United States Embassy in Nigeria has clarified that its decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerians is not connected to Nigeria’s refusal to accept third-country deportees, including Venezuelan ex-prisoners.
In a statement on Friday, July 11, the Embassy addressed misconceptions, insisting the change from five-year multiple-entry visas to three-month single-entry was part of a global review based on technical and security benchmarks, not diplomatic retaliation or Nigeria’s e-visa policy.
This follows Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar’s comments suggesting U.S. pressure on African countries to accept deportees, and a rebuttal from presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who affirmed that Nigeria still grants Americans five-year multiple-entry visas. He noted that the 90-day e-visa applies only to tourists and business visitors seeking quicker processing.
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to strong ties with Nigeria and promised continued collaboration to improve visa processes.
