The Nigerian presidency has firmly rejected claims that the United States government’s recent decision to restrict visas for Nigerian citizens stems from President Bola Tinubu’s alleged suspension of 5-year multiple-entry visas for American nationals.
In a comprehensive statement issued on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga categorically dismissed reports linking the two visa policies as “misinformation and fake news,” emphasizing that Nigeria has maintained its commitment to existing bilateral agreements with the United States.
The clarification comes in response to mounting speculation about the connection between Nigeria’s e-visa policy and Washington’s controversial decision to limit most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry permits with three-month validity periods.
“Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity,” Onanuga stated emphatically.
The presidential spokesperson revealed that upon assuming office, President Tinubu implemented a comprehensive policy directive aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with international partners.
“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” he explained.
The presidency’s response addresses widespread confusion about Nigeria’s visa policies, particularly regarding the newly introduced electronic visa system that has generated significant discussion in diplomatic circles.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians,” Onanuga noted, signaling the government’s coordinated response to the visa restrictions.
The statement emphasized the administration’s commitment to continued diplomatic engagement with American authorities despite the current tensions.
“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations,” the spokesperson assured.
The presidency directly challenged the United States government’s justification for the visa restrictions, arguing that claims of reciprocity do not accurately reflect the actual diplomatic situation between the two nations.
“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation,” Onanuga stated. “The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.”
The clarification provided detailed explanation of Nigeria’s e-visa system, which has been subject to misinterpretation in various reports about the diplomatic dispute.
“The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait,” the presidency explained.
