LAGOS, 11 July 2025 – The U.S. Mission Nigeria has issued a statement addressing misconceptions surrounding the recent reduction in validity periods for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas for Nigerian citizens and nationals of several other countries. The decision, which has sparked speculation, is part of a global review of U.S. visa usage, aimed at enhancing security and technical benchmarks to protect U.S. immigration systems.

Contrary to rumours, the U.S. Mission clarified that the policy change is not linked to Nigeria’s stance on third-country deportees, the introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups such as BRICS. However, the decision is not unrelated to the broader immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has been widely perceived as reflecting a restrictive stance toward foreigners. The visa validity reduction aligns with heightened scrutiny of immigration processes, a hallmark of the administration’s approach.

“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials,” the U.S. Mission stated. The Mission emphasised its dedication to supporting Nigeria in meeting the established criteria and benchmarks, fostering mutually beneficial travel between the two nations.