The Nation Newspaper

Tag: visa policy

  • FG expresses concern over the U.S. new visa regime for Nigeria

    FG expresses concern over the U.S. new visa regime for Nigeria

    The federal government has expressed deep concern over the new United States’ visa policy for Nigeria.

    The new policy restricts visa applicants from Nigeria to three-month single-entry visas.

    The US argued that the decision, which took effect from Wednesday, 9 July 2025, was based on a reciprocity policy.

    But, the Nigerian government in a statement said the decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    The statement, which was signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged the US government to reverse its decision.

    The Ministry also assured Nigerians that diplomatic engagements are ongoing.

    Ebienfa also hinted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

    The statement reads, “The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.

    “The federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

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    “The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    “Nigeria notes that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

    “While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities. Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.”

  • FG to review visa policy to attract foreign investment

    FG to review visa policy to attract foreign investment

    The Federal Government yesterday said it would undertake a review of the nation’s visa policy to attract foreign investments and encourage visitations to the country.

     The government described as unacceptable the numbers of visitors into the country last year compared to the population of the country and the resources and opportunities available, asserting that its policy on visa has to be reviewed to meet the standards of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

     The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the remarks at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja during a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Nigerian Visa.

     “We are determined to make sure that in the next couple of weeks, by the grace of God, the new implementation framework will be on ground.

     “And people all over the world will start having easy access to the country. We want to welcome investment and people.

     “Just last year, the number of foreign passengers that came to Nigeria whether Nigerians or non, was just less than two million people.

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     “That is unacceptable for a country of over 200 million people. It means that we are limiting investment, import of forex among other things.

     “So, once we get the visa policy right, and we get the implementation framework perfect, then, definitely economic prosperity will come,” Tunji-Ojo said.

     The Minister further maintained that the country would consider a visa policy that would attract investments and encourage visitors to visit Nigeria from across the world without putting the country’s security in jeopardy.

     He said though it was difficult striking a balance between easy access to visa and national security considering its delicate nature, but “if gotten right, it would no doubt  lead to a healthy investment promotion for Nigeria.”

      He said “you see, a seamless access to any country is key for investment promotion, job creation, foreign direct investment. In short, it is key to whatever a particular country wants to do or achieve to enable it progress.

    “The logic is that everything is built on effective visa administration. So, we are here to really talk about it and to be able to streamline the process for better.

     “Especially, in areas of short stay visa and even our other categories of visa to see how we can optimise them and make it more efficient in such a way that will be able to attract more investment.”