The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, have jointly addressed concerns over recent changes to US visa policies affecting Nigerian applicants.
The US government recently revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 business and tourism, F student, and J exchange visitor categories to three months with single-entry access.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja today, Ambassador Mills stressed that the new measures are not punitive but part of a global effort to enhance security, improve service delivery, and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
He added that the changes stem from a security-focused review of global visa operations, with stricter background checks now requiring greater access to Nigerian criminal records. On student visas, Mills warned that skipping classes or abandoning studies without proper notification could lead to visa revocation.
Minister Mohammed welcomed the embassy’s clarification, saying it would help Nigerians better understand the policy. He emphasised the importance of compliance with both Nigerian and foreign laws, noting that the government’s New Hope Agenda seeks to strengthen international partnerships for the benefit of citizens. Both sides pledged continued engagement to ensure transparency, public awareness, and mutual respect in consular matters.
