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The Presidency has firmly denied reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of five-year multiple-entry visas for United States citizens. The clarification comes in response to widespread speculation following recent changes in U.S. visa policies affecting Nigerian nationals.
In a statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the administration described the claims as “false and misleading,” reaffirming that Nigeria’s visa policy toward American citizens remains unchanged and continues to honor existing bilateral agreements.
“President Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens,” Onanuga stated. “Nigeria remains committed to the principle of reciprocity and international cooperation.”
The Presidency attributed the confusion to the recent rollout of Nigeria’s new e-Visa system, which offers a 90-day single-entry visa for short-term travel such as tourism and business. This digital visa option replaces the outdated visa-on-arrival framework and is designed to streamline processing, with approvals typically issued within 48 hours.
While Nigeria has extended the e-Visa platform to U.S. citizens and other nationalities, the United States has yet to reciprocate with similar provisions for Nigerian applicants. The U.S. government recently announced a reduction in visa validity for Nigerians, citing a lack of reciprocity—a claim the Nigerian government disputes.
“The U.S. government’s reference to reciprocity does not accurately reflect Nigeria’s current visa policy,” Onanuga emphasized.
The Tinubu administration reiterated its commitment to diplomatic engagement and mutual respect, stating that senior officials are actively working with their American counterparts to resolve any misunderstandings and ensure that visa policies reflect the longstanding partnership between both nations.