The United States Mission in Nigeria has defended its decision to reduce most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry with a three-month validity, saying the move is based on global security standards rather than retaliation over diplomatic disagreements.
In a statement released by the US Department of State on Tuesday, the policy was described as part of a worldwide review of visa criteria, effective from July 8, 2025, and applicable only to new visa issuances.
However, the US Mission in Nigeria on Friday addressed speculation linking the changes to Nigeria’s refusal to accept third-country deportees, clarifying that “this reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.”
It added: “The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems. We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.”
Despite speculation about diplomatic tensions over deportation policy under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US Mission in Nigeria stressed the new visa rules are part of consistent, security-driven practices applied globally.
