Tinubu orders immediate action on U.S., UAE visa concerns affecting Nigerians
By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies to take decisive steps in response to the recent visa policy changes by the United States and the United Arab Emirates affecting Nigerian citizens.
This directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, the U.S. government officially informed Nigeria that its decision to adjust visa privileges for Nigerian passport holders was prompted by two major concerns: the increasing rate of visa overstays by Nigerians and difficulties in obtaining reliable access to applicants’ records.
Washington further noted that the changes form part of its global visa reciprocity framework, which is routinely reviewed and updated to reflect policy shifts, including adjustments to entry limits and visa validity periods.
In response, President Tinubu instructed all concerned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate effectively and ensure that Nigeria meets its international responsibilities.
He also mandated these agencies to improve inter-agency cooperation and strengthen systems for verifying the identities of Nigerians seeking consular services abroad.
“The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the legal frameworks of those nations,” the statement said.
Regarding the situation with the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Government clarified that no formal communication has been received from Abu Dhabi authorities indicating a change in visa policy. However, it acknowledged that the visa issuance process was progressing “in a gradual and orderly manner.”
Despite the lack of official notification, President Tinubu welcomed what he described as constructive engagement from the UAE government and confirmed that any concerns raised through diplomatic channels were being addressed by Nigerian authorities.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and deepening its longstanding diplomatic ties with both the U.S. and UAE. It also assured citizens that the administration’s foreign policy remains focused on ensuring that Nigerians can “travel, work, and live with dignity and respect anywhere in the world.”
President Tinubu’s directive reflects the government’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda, which centres on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora engagement.
As discussions continue, the government pledged to enhance international cooperation, improve data-sharing mechanisms, and increase transparency in the visa application process to prevent future challenges for Nigerians abroad.
The President also reiterated his commitment to defending the interests of Nigerians globally and promoting mutual respect in all bilateral relationships.