Lawmakers say new policy unfair, harmful to relations
By Rafiyat Sadiq
The House of Representatives has asked the United States government to reverse its recent visa policy that reduces visa validity for Nigerians from five years to three months.
The lawmakers made the demand during plenary on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Muhammad Muktar (APC, Jigawa), Jesse Okey, Joe Onuakalusi, Festus Adefiranye, Sam Atu, and Akiba Ekpenyong.
The motion condemned the policy, calling it unfair to law-abiding Nigerians and damaging to long-standing relations between both countries. The new policy, which took effect on July 8, limits Nigerian applicants to a single-entry visa valid for only three months. Previously, many Nigerians received two-year or five-year multiple-entry visas.
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Concerns over Impact on Nigerians
Leading the debate, Mr Muktar said the decision would affect many Nigerians who travel to the US for work, education, and family purposes. He warned that the change could hurt Nigeria’s efforts to attract diaspora remittances, which exceed $1 billion monthly.
“This new policy will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres,” he said.
Muktar reminded the House of the close ties between both countries, built over decades through trade, education, and security cooperation. He also noted the contributions of Nigerians in the United States, including well-known figures such as author Chimamanda Adichie, medical expert Bennet Omalu, and legislator Uzoma Asagwara.
Diplomatic Strains and Past Restrictions
Diplomatic tensions between the United States and African countries have deepened in recent years due to a series of restrictive travel and visa policies introduced by the US government.
On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed Proclamation 10949, effective June 9, fully banning entry from 12 countries, including seven African nations: Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, citing security risks
The African Union responded by warning that such actions could weaken diplomatic ties.
The US Mission in Nigeria has explained that the current policy is based on the principle of reciprocity and mirrors Nigeria’s visa terms for US citizens.
House Resolutions
After debate, the House adopted several resolutions. It called on the US Embassy in Nigeria and the US Department of State to restore the five-year multiple-entry visa regime.
It also directed the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group to relay the House’s position to the US Congress, the State Department, and the embassy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked to open discussions with the US government to prevent further harm to bilateral relations.
The lawmakers further encouraged continued engagement between Nigerian and American institutions to address concerns on immigration, human rights, and security.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
