Presidency clarifies Tinubu has not stopped 5-year non-immigrant visa for US citizens

*The Nigerian Government says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for citizens of the United States in accordance with the subsisting principle of bilateral agreements and reciprocity

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Government, contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating in the public space, has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at no time stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for citizens of the United States (US) in accordance with the subsisting principle of bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who stated this Thursday, July 10, 2025, recalled immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria should implement all bilateral agreements with other countries, and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

US President Donald Trump (l) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Onanuga also said the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs had clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment the US Government made in connection with its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian travellers.

The statement noted: “The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.

Presidency: US Government’s claim of reciprocity in new visa policy ‘inaccurate’

Emphasising the Federal Government has continued to grant the US citizens a 5-year till this day, the Presidency asserted: “We want to reiterate that the US Government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

“The Nigerian Government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.”

The government further noted that the 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the “newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people” who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.

It explained the e-Visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion.

The e-Visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

The Presidential aide stated the West African country’s e-Visa policy “aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals.

“Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.

“Although Nigeria has an e-Visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.”

The government averred: “In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments.”