…says the revised visa process for Nigerians designed to enable US authorities track entries and exits more effectively.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jnr, has defended Washington’s decision to tighten its visa processing procedures for Nigerians, insisting the changes are aimed at safeguarding US national security and maintaining the integrity of its immigration system.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Mills said the revised visa process were designed to enable US authorities to track entries and exits more effectively and ensure visitors comply with the legal duration of their stay.
“The United States visa process exists to protect the integrity of our immigration system, safeguard our national security, and ensure that everyone who enters and leaves does so legally,” Mills said. “This is part of a global review. Many countries have seen adjustments to their visa regimes.”
Visa Validity Cut for Nigerians
Under the updated rules, non-immigrant visa categories such as B1/B2, F, and J for Nigerian applicants have been reduced to a single entry valid for just three months.
Mills stressed that the primary responsibility of visa holders is not to violate the terms of their stay. “If you overstay, it can result in deportation or even a lifetime ban from entering the United States,” he warned.
He urged Nigerian applicants to be truthful when applying for visas clearly stating their purpose of travel, proof of funding, and compelling ties that will bring them back home. “That is the core decision every visa officer is making when adjudicating an application,” he explained.
Maintaining Bilateral Ties
The ambassador noted that the US values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, adding that visas play a vital role in education, business, tourism, and cultural exchange. “We welcome Nigerian visitors to the United States, just as Nigeria welcomes Americans here. Both countries want visitors to respect our national laws,” Mills said.
Minister Idris, in his remarks, described Nigeria as “a globally acknowledged nation of travellers,” noting that the United States remains one of the most frequented destinations for Nigerians.
“This engagement helps ensure that Nigerians are regularly updated on changes affecting their travel,” Idris said. “Our ties with the US, educationally, culturally, economically are deep, and we intend to keep strengthening them.”
As of press time, the US Embassy has not announced any exemption categories under the new rules, but officials have emphasised that compliance will be closely monitored.
