The Presidency has clarified the United States’ decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerian citizens, citing two primary reasons.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s (FG) unwavering commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
He noted that recent adjustments to visa issuance policies affecting Nigerians by these two nations are receiving active attention from the FG.
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Relevant Nigerian ministries, departments, and gencies are currently engaging in constructive discussions to address the concerns raised.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records.
“It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations”, he said.
Onanuga added that Tinubu directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad.
The President urged all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under those jurisdictions’ laws.
“Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy. However, it is observed that visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner.
“The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities. Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
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“The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank”, Onanuga added.
He reaffirmed the FG’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s valued bilateral relations with the Governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
