Tinubu Sends Message to Trump over US New Visa Restrictions on Nigerians
- Nigerian government has called on the US President Donald Trump-led government to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity
- The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The government expressed concern over the US decision amidst partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities by both countries
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Abuja - The federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tougher visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens.
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The government described the move as disproportionate, calling for a “reconsideration in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.”
Legit.ng reported that the US government had announced a revision to its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, limiting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas, including the B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories, to just three months and restricting them to single entry.
New visa restrictions: Nigeria makes demand
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 9, by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government said it viewed the new policy with “concern and keen interest,” particularly in light of the historically cordial relations between the two nations.
“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.
“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” said Ebienfa.
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According to the statement, the policy change would have a broad impact on Nigerians, affecting students seeking education in the US, professionals involved in legitimate business, and families visiting loved ones.
As reported by The Punch, FG emphasised that the restriction could hamper cultural and educational exchanges that have long been a foundation of US-Nigeria relations.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.
“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.
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Trump’s administration cancels visa of 10 students
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked the F-1 visas of 10 international students studying at Colorado universities, sparking concerns among affected individuals and institutions.
The University of Colorado reported that four students were impacted, while Colorado State University confirmed six cases.
Both universities expressed their commitment to supporting international students and urged those affected to seek assistance from their campus international student offices or their home country embassies.
Source: Legit.ng
