The United States government has said that the new visa restrictions recently announced are not meant to punish Nigerians but are part of wider security measures. The clarification was given by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, during a news conference in Abuja while a US Congressional Delegation was visiting the country.
Mills explained that the visa review follows a presidential proclamation scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026. According to him, the policy affects only certain visa categories and is aimed at improving screening, information sharing, and border safety in the United States. He noted that the process focuses on proper checks during visa applications and does not single out Nigerians.
The ambassador stated that exemptions have been clearly provided in the policy. These include holders of diplomatic and official passports, as well as people travelling to the United States for religious duties. He advised Nigerians seeking visas to check the official website of the US Embassy for full details on affected categories and exemptions. Applicants with questions were also encouraged to use the embassy’s official communication channels for guidance.
Also speaking at the event, the leader of the US Congressional Delegation, Representative Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews are common tools used by the US to encourage cooperation and improve government systems. He explained that such measures are applied in many countries around the world and are not directed at citizens but at strengthening official processes.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the US government has restated its commitment to strong people-to-people relations with Nigeria. The visa review was described as part of broader engagement efforts to improve cooperation between both countries while addressing shared security concerns.
The development follows an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump on December 16, expanding entry restrictions on foreign nationals from 24 countries. The US government said the decision was based on concerns over gaps in screening, vetting, and information sharing that could affect national security and public safety.
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