Visa Tensions Rise: FG Moves to Curb Nigerian Overstays as US Slashes Visa Privileges
Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to defuse growing diplomatic strain over visa compliance, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, met with United States Ambassador Richard Mills in Abuja on Wednesday to address Washington’s sweeping visa policy changes that have rattled Nigerian travelers and policymakers alike.
The meeting follows the U.S. government’s announcement of a dramatic restriction on visa terms for Nigerian nationals. Nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians will now be limited to single-entry and valid for only three months—a sharp reversal from previous terms that allowed multiple entries over two years or more.
A “Global Reciprocity” or Targeted Retaliation?
While the U.S. embassy framed the change as part of a “global reciprocity realignment,” critics argue it is a direct response to long-standing concerns over visa overstays, identity fraud, and noncompliance among Nigerian travelers.
Ambassador Mills reportedly expressed Washington’s frustration over Nigeria’s inability to curb widespread abuses in the visa system. According to multiple diplomatic sources, Nigerian overstay rates in the U.S. are among the highest in Africa, fueling stricter scrutiny and now, reduced access.
FG Vows Crackdown on Overstays, Identity Fraud
In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo promised sweeping reforms, stating that the Tinubu administration is now prioritizing the enforcement of visa compliance, identity verification, and secure travel documentation.
“We are committed to implementing measures to limit overstays by Nigerian travelers on U.S. visas and to enhance the integrity of our travel systems,” Tunji-Ojo said via his official X handle.
He further emphasized the importance of “information sharing” on criminal records and national security threats, a subtle nod to U.S. concerns over weak vetting standards and opaque data systems.
The meeting also included senior officials such as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Nigeria’s Visa Policy Also Under Scrutiny
Interestingly, the Nigerian government’s own visa policies may have contributed to the standoff. As the U.S. has pointed out, Nigeria also issues only single-entry three-month visas to U.S. citizens, raising questions about whether the new U.S. restrictions are simply tit-for-tat diplomacy dressed in bureaucratic language.
“If Nigeria wants broader access, it must also look inward at how it treats foreign visitors,” one immigration expert told The Daily Courier NG.
E-Visa, E-Borders, but What About Enforcement?
Tunji-Ojo cited the newly launched e-visa platform and e-border solutions, claiming they would reduce corruption and streamline immigration. But critics remain skeptical, noting that automation alone cannot compensate for poor enforcement and systemic inefficiencies.
“Tech upgrades are good headlines, but without consistent rule enforcement, these tools won’t win U.S. confidence,” said a former NIS official.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Global Image
As Washington tightens its visa gates, other Western countries may follow suit, especially if Nigeria’s promises of reform remain rhetorical. The U.S. move sends a clear message: visa access is a privilege, not an entitlement, and repeated noncompliance will have diplomatic consequences.
This diplomatic episode may also serve as a reality check for Nigerian leaders: in an increasingly security-conscious world, global mobility depends as much on trust and governance as it does on bilateral relations.
As the Tinubu administration scrambles to mend fences with its most powerful visa-issuing partner, it faces a daunting challenge: rebuilding confidence, not just in its travel system, but in the accountability of its citizens abroad.
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Visa Tensions Rise: FG Moves to Curb Nigerian Overstays as US Slashes Visa Privileges