The Federal Government has confirmed that visa restrictions recently imposed by the United States on certain categories of Nigerian travelers remain in effect, despite diplomatic appeals for a reversal.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed on Wednesday that while high-level engagements between both countries are ongoing, no official policy change has yet been communicated by Washington.
“Engagements are ongoing, but the policy is yet to be reversed so far,” Ebienfa told The PUNCH.
The restrictions followed the US government’s recent revision of its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, which reduced the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to just three months with single-entry access.
Affected categories include B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, F visas for students, and J visas for exchange visitors.
The Nigerian government had earlier criticised the move, describing it as a disproportionate and unfriendly action.
In a formal statement last month, the Federal Government argued that the new visa policy was inconsistent with the principles of equity and reciprocity that should exist between two friendly nations.
It also warned that the restrictions could negatively impact legitimate travellers, including students, professionals, and families, thereby undermining long-standing cultural and educational ties between the two countries.
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While acknowledging the United States’ sovereign right to determine its immigration policies, the Nigerian government urged a reconsideration of the decision, appealing for action in the spirit of mutual respect and bilateral cooperation.
