The Nigerian presidency has denied reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu halted the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens, labeling such claims as “misleading and inaccurate.”
In a statement issued Thursday by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency clarified that Nigeria’s five-year visa policy for Americans remains in effect and has not been suspended.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens. This policy continues in accordance with longstanding bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity,” Onanuga stated.
The clarification follows public confusion after the United States government earlier this week introduced a new visa rule limiting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerian citizens to single-entry with a 90-day validity period—a move the U.S. said aligns with its global visa reciprocity review.
According to Onanuga, shortly after taking office in 2023, President Tinubu directed all federal agencies to uphold Nigeria’s diplomatic commitments and international protocols, including those concerning visa policies.
“Immediately upon assuming office, President Tinubu issued a directive to all ministries and agencies to adhere to international agreements and apply reciprocal principles in Nigeria’s foreign relations,” the statement added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he noted, had already addressed Nigeria’s stance following the U.S. government’s adjustment of its visa policy for Nigerian nationals, describing the move as disproportionate and contrary to the spirit of partnership.
Onanuga also clarified that Nigeria’s new e-visa policy, which offers 90-day single-entry visas for short-term visitors, is separate from its standard long-term visa regime and does not replace five-year visas granted to U.S. citizens.
“The 90-day visa applies only to the newly introduced e-visa category—designed for short-term visitors like tourists and businesspeople who prefer a faster, simpler application process,” he explained. “It replaces the outdated visa-on-arrival system, which was vulnerable to abuse and inefficiency.
The new e-visa is fully digital, issued within 48 hours, and eliminates the need for applicants to visit embassies.”
He added that while Nigeria continues to offer both e-visas and multiple-entry long-term visas to Americans, the U.S. has yet to reciprocate Nigeria’s e-visa policy, which many countries around the world have adopted.
Despite the recent policy shift by Washington, the Tinubu administration said it remains committed to dialogue and maintaining the decades-long partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
“We believe the U.S. claim of visa reciprocity does not accurately reflect the reality of our current visa practices,” Onanuga said.“The Federal Government will continue to engage U.S. authorities diplomatically, seeking a fair and just resolution that reflects mutual respect, cooperation, and the shared values that define our bilateral relationship.”
The presidency’s remarks come amid broader concerns that the U.S. visa policy adjustment could hinder student mobility, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
