Presidency says Tinubu never halted 5-year visas for US citizens
The Presidency has refuted claims that the United States’ recent visa policy towards Nigeria was prompted by a lack of reciprocity, stating that such assertions do not accurately reflect the true position of Nigeria’s immigration policy.
It also dismissed circulating misinformation suggesting that President Bola Tinubu halted the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens, clarifying that such visas are still being granted under existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.
This clarification was provided in a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to Onanuga: “Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.
“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.”
Challenging the US government’s explanation, the Presidency insisted that the issue of reciprocity had been misrepresented.
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“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation,” the statement said.
“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.
“The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.
“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.
“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.”
The statement further noted that although Nigeria offers an e-visa system to US citizens and others, the US has yet to extend a similar gesture to Nigerians.
“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” it added.
