Nigeria’s House of Representatives has issued a strong rebuke of the United States government’s recent decision to reduce the validity period of non-immigrant visas for Nigerians, pressing for the policy to be rescinded.
Lawmakers expressed grave concern that the change disregards the deep historical, strategic and personal ties between both nations.
Under the new rules effective 8 July, the U.S. Department of State has shortened the validity of multiple-entry visas for Nigerians from five years to just three months, allowing only a single entry.
Members of the House cautioned that the move could severely disrupt diaspora remittances due to heightened uncertainty around travel. They also warned of negative repercussions for businesses, academic activities and the wider Nigerian diaspora.
According to the chamber, the decision undermines a long-standing relationship anchored on mutual respect, shared democratic values, robust bilateral cooperation and strong people-to-people links.
The House has appealed to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and the U.S. Department of State to reinstate the previous five-year multiple-entry visa policy, stressing the need for fairness, reciprocity and mutual regard in immigration arrangements.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent importance tabled by Representative Muhammad Muktar and four other lawmakers.
The House further directed the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group to communicate its stance to the U.S. Congress, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, and to step up legislative diplomacy aimed at ensuring equitable visa policies.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been tasked with opening diplomatic channels with the U.S. government to forestall further strain on bilateral relations and safeguard the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.
