Amid mounting concerns over the United States’ recent visa policy shift, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has met with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, to discuss the implications and explore pathways for bilateral cooperation on immigration protocols.
The high-level meeting, which took place on Wednesday, comes just 24 hours after the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria announced a sweeping change in its visa rules—reducing the validity and entry frequency of most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian nationals.
Under the revised policy, which is already in effect, such visas are now limited to single-entry and valid for just three months, down from the previous multiple-entry options often valid for two years or more.
In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Minister Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the U.S.’s rationale behind the changes and pledged the Nigerian government’s full cooperation in addressing visa overstay concerns.
“Our administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to strict compliance across the board,” Tunji-Ojo said. “This includes the issuance of secure travel documents, accurate identity verification, and the implementation of effective visa overstay management measures.”
He added that the Ministry of Interior, in conjunction with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), is already working on frameworks to track overstays, enhance border security, and foster responsible travel behavior among Nigerians.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the discussion with Ambassador Mills was constructive and forward-looking, focusing on preserving the integrity of both nations’ visa processes.
“The U.S. envoy offered valuable insights into the revised policy framework and its alignment with global visa integrity standards,” the minister noted.
The ambassador also expressed support for Nigeria’s new e-visa policy, which streamlines the visa application process for foreign nationals. The innovation is seen as a step toward digital diplomacy and enhancing border efficiency.
The U.S. Embassy has emphasized that the revised visa policy is part of a global visa reciprocity realignment, aimed at ensuring consistency with how American citizens are treated abroad.
In fact, Nigeria currently offers U.S. travelers only single-entry visas valid for three months—mirroring the new American stance.
Still, critics argue that the timing and scope of the changes disproportionately affect students, business travelers, and diaspora family ties, sparking diplomatic concern.
“Information sharing between the U.S. and Nigerian authorities on criminal records and national security threats is a vital part of this evolving framework,” Tunji-Ojo said, stressing that enhanced data cooperation will help both nations.
The Nigerian government has reiterated its desire for a mutually beneficial resolution, one that respects national sovereignty but also acknowledges the historic and strategic ties between both countries.
