Nigeria, US pledge stronger ties after high-level talks on new visa policies

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has described his meeting with US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. as “constructive,” following discussions on the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.

The meeting, which took place with the participation of Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalene Ajani and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, focused on building a more structured visa framework to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a statement on his X handle, the Minister disclosed that Ambassador Mills Jr. provided insights into the revised US visa protocol, emphasising its consistency with established practices designed to maintain the integrity of the visa application process.

Mills also lauded the NIS’s new e-visa policy, describing it as an innovative step to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign visitors entering Nigeria.

The statement reads, “I held a constructive meeting with the US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today, to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.

“The meeting, attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.

“The discussions centred on visa reciprocity, with Ambassador Mills Jr. providing valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.

“The Ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance application process for foreign travellers into the country.

“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.

“Our government under the leadership of President #officialABAT Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across board in key areas including:
“1. Secure travel documents: Ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.
2. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas.
3. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”