US denies political motive behind visa validity cut for Nigerians
The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that its recent decision to shorten visa validity for many Nigerian nonimmigrant applicants is not politically driven, but rather part of a broader global security and technical evaluation.
Amid growing public speculation, the U.S. Mission issued a statement on Friday dismissing claims that the change is linked to Nigeria’s ties to BRICS, its policies on third-country deportees, or its adoption of electronic visa systems.
“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 statement read.
The U.S. emphasized that the adjustment follows 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.”
Reassuring its commitment to Nigeria, the embassy noted its readiness to collaborate with Nigerian officials to help meet the necessary requirements.
“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,” it said.
The mission further stressed that the initiative aims to promote “safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.”
