US Explains New Visa Policy for Nigerians, Cites Security Concerns.
By Caroline Ameh
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that recent changes to America’s non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians are aimed at addressing “security vulnerabilities” and not targeted at Nigeria or its citizens.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja on Friday, Ambassador Mills said the adjustments— which include reducing the validity of most non-diplomatic visas to a single entry over three months — were part of a reciprocal policy and aligned with the new US administration’s push for stricter vetting.
“We needed more rigorous processing overseas of visa applicants and to address some of the security vulnerabilities in our visa processing,” Mills explained. “Our goal is to protect the integrity of the US immigration system, ensure security, and track entry and exit of visitors.”
The ambassador warned against overstaying visas, stressing that violators risk deportation and a lifetime travel ban. He also highlighted the importance of compliance for students on study visas, noting that skipping classes or leaving programmes without notification could lead to visa revocation.
Mills praised the cooperation of Nigerian institutions, including the National Orientation Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service, in supporting the new policy, and urged applicants to seek accurate information from the US embassy’s consular website.
On information-sharing, he disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Nigerian government to improve access to criminal record data for vetting purposes. “Security vetting doesn’t end when you reach the United States. Visas can be revoked if laws are broken,” he said.
Minister Idris welcomed the clarification, describing it as a step toward deeper Nigeria–US engagement. He urged Nigerians to comply with visa terms and uphold both Nigerian laws and the laws of host countries, stressing that such conduct would enhance Nigeria’s image abroad.
“This is a new way of forging better partnership between the two countries,” Idris said. “The more we engage, the better it is for our nations.”
