The United States has clarified the reasons behind recent visa restrictions affecting Nigerians, saying the measures are part of broader security procedures and are not intended to single out or punish Nigerian citizens.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday during the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the policy was designed to strengthen visa screening processes and ensure the availability of credible information in the application system.
Mr Mills explained that the restrictions stem from a presidential proclamation scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2026 and will apply to specific visa categories.
“The proclamation is focused on proper vetting and improved security procedures, not on penalising Nigerians,” he said.
According to the ambassador, the directive clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected and provides exemptions for certain groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.
He urged prospective travellers to consult the official website of the US Embassy in Nigeria for comprehensive details on the affected visa categories and available exemptions, adding that applicants with specific concerns should use the embassy’s official communication channels for guidance.
Also speaking at the briefing, the leader of the congressional delegation, US Congressman Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions are standard features of US immigration policy.
Mr Huizenga stressed that such measures are generally aimed at encouraging cooperation and compliance by governments rather than targeting individual citizens. He added that similar visa reviews are routinely applied in many countries worldwide and are focused mainly on government systems and processes.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern in Nigeria over the potential impact of the new visa restrictions on travel to the United States.