Abuja – Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, held crucial talks with U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills on Wednesday following Washington’s abrupt tightening of visa rules for Nigerian travelers.
The diplomatic meeting came just 24 hours after the U.S. Embassy announced sweeping changes reducing most non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to single-entry permits valid for merely three months.
In a statement from the Abuja meeting, Tunji-Ojo emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to “strict compliance” with international travel standards, particularly in visa overstay management and secure document issuance. The discussions focused on balancing the new U.S. restrictions with Nigeria’s reciprocal three-month single-entry policy for American visitors.
“The revised protocol aligns with global practices to maintain visa integrity,” the minister noted, quoting Ambassador Mills’ acknowledgment of Nigeria’s digital innovations like the new e-visa system. Both nations agreed to enhance information sharing on security records and promote responsible travel practices.
The policy shift marks a dramatic reduction from previous U.S. visa terms that typically granted Nigerians multiple entries over two-year periods. Immigration experts suggest the changes reflect ongoing reciprocity adjustments, with Nigeria maintaining equivalent restrictions for U.S. citizens since 2019.
Key officials at the meeting included Immigration Comptroller-General Kemi Nanna Nandap and Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The Tinubu administration has pledged continued engagement to ensure the new framework doesn’t disrupt legitimate travel while strengthening bilateral relations.
Additional reporting by U.S. Embassy personnel confirmed the changes take immediate effect as part of global visa policy realignment.