Presidency Denies Halting 5-Year Visas for U.S. Citizens

The Nigerian government has firmly denied claims circulating online that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has discontinued the issuance of 5-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In an official statement released on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to honouring all bilateral agreements, including visa reciprocity between Nigeria and the United States.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and reciprocity,” Onanuga said.

“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,” he continued.

The clarification comes amid online speculation following a recent adjustment by the U.S. government to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians, which many interpreted as a response to changes on the Nigerian side. However, the Nigerian government insists that it continues to grant long-term visas to Americans and has not altered its stance.

The Presidency explained that the newly introduced 90-day single-entry visa only applies to Nigeria’s new e-Visa category, which was launched as a replacement for the obsolete visa-on-arrival system. According to the statement, the e-visa is a fast, digital process designed to promote tourism, business travel, and ease of entry, particularly for short visits.

“This is not a replacement for the standard visa categories,” the statement noted, adding that the e-visa system delivers approvals within 48 hours and removes the need for embassy appointments.

The government emphasized that while Nigeria offers the e-visa option to U.S. citizens and others, the U.S. has yet to reciprocate. Nonetheless, officials reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to resolving any emerging visa-related concerns through diplomatic dialogue.

“The Tinubu-led administration will continue to engage U.S. authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” Onanuga assured.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials are reportedly in ongoing discussions with their American counterparts to address the visa concerns in a manner that reflects mutual respect and long-standing bilateral ties.