US mission in Nigeria addresses visa validity reduction

Abdullateef Fowewe

The United States Mission in Nigeria has taken steps to clarify the recent decrease in validity periods for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas issued in Nigeria, aiming to address widespread misunderstandings among the public.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Mission firmly clarified that this policy change is not related to Nigeria’s position on third-country deportees, the implementation of e-visa policies by Nigeria, or any perceived connections with international groups such as BRICS.

Rather, the Mission highlighted that the reduction in visa validity is part of an “ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries.”

They explained that this review uses “technical and security benchmarks to protect U.S. immigration systems.”

The statement reads, “The U.S. Mission Nigeria wishes to address misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Nigeria and other countries.

“This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS. The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems.

“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.”