The Nigerian Presidency on Thursday criticized the United States over its recent visa policy changes affecting Nigerian citizens, rejecting claims that Nigeria failed to reciprocate the U.S.’s five-year multiple-entry visa offer.
It also debunked reports alleging that President Bola Tinubu cancelled the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for American citizens, labeling such claims as “false and misleading.”
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency asserted:
“The U.S. government’s justification of non-reciprocity for its visa policy shift does not reflect the true state of affairs.”
Titled ‘President Tinubu Never Stopped the 5-Year Non-Immigrant Visa for U.S. Citizens’, the statement clarified that Nigeria still issues five-year non-immigrant visas to Americans under existing bilateral agreements.
It further blamed certain online platforms for spreading misinformation about Nigeria’s visa regime.
“Contrary to online rumours and fake news, President Tinubu has never discontinued the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, in keeping with Nigeria’s commitment to reciprocity and existing bilateral arrangements,” it said.
The response comes after the U.S. government, in early July 2025, announced that most Nigerian non-immigrant visa categories—including tourist, student, and exchange visas—would now be limited to a single entry with a three-month validity. This policy replaced the longer-term two- to five-year multiple-entry visas previously issued.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja explained that the decision aligns with its global visa reciprocity rules, arguing that Nigerians had been receiving longer visa validity than Americans currently get in Nigeria.
The U.S. emphasized that the move was based on “reciprocity,” not retaliation.
However, the Presidency refuted suggestions that Nigeria failed to uphold its end of the bilateral arrangement. It said President Tinubu had, upon taking office, directed that all international agreements be honored and that Nigeria practice full diplomatic reciprocity.
Regarding recent concerns about Nigeria’s new 90-day visa policy, the statement clarified that the shorter validity applies only to the newly introduced e-visa system, which replaces the old visa-on-arrival process. It is designed for short-term tourists and business travelers who prefer a quicker digital application process.
“The new 90-day single-entry visa only applies to the e-visa category, which offers a streamlined, online service delivered within 48 hours. It is not related to traditional visa classes,” the Presidency said, adding that this policy supports the administration’s push to encourage investment, tourism, and ease of business.
The Presidency also noted that although Nigeria now offers e-visas to American citizens, the U.S. has not implemented a similar policy for Nigerians.
Despite the disagreement, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic resolution.
“In the spirit of mutual respect and long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United States, the Tinubu administration will continue to engage with U.S. authorities to address any misunderstandings and find common ground,” the statement concluded.
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