The United States Embassy in Lagos has spoken on the revocation of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s visa, saying entry documents issued by the U.S. are privileges and can be withdrawn at any time.
The clarification followed public curiosity after the Nobel laureate revealed that his B1/B2 visa was cancelled by the Embassy.
Speaking through its Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, the Embassy explained that it could not share details of Soyinka’s case due to privacy rules.
“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” she stated.
McKay stressed that no individual is entitled to a U.S. visa.
“Visas are a privilege, not a right … visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant,” she said in the email response.
Soyinka first disclosed his visa revocation during a media session in Lagos earlier this week.
The 91-year-old writer told reporters that the notice came in a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos. He added that he currently has no visa and will not be visiting the United States until further notice.
The iconic playwright said he could not identify any wrongdoing that may have triggered the action but recalled two minor decades-old incidents involving U.S. airport rules and a disagreement with police officers.
He jokingly noted that the only “crime” he could remember was once being fined for carrying undeclared peppers into the U.S.
Soyinka, who has been openly critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump, told journalists that he would not contest the Embassy’s decision but found the situation “curious.”
The Consulate’s communication reportedly cited U.S. regulations under 22 CFR 41.122, saying new information became available after the visa was issued, prompting the cancellation.
The letter also instructed Soyinka to return the visa for physical cancellation. The Nobel laureate laughed at the request and asked if anyone wanted to deliver it for him.
Meanwhile, the development has sparked conversations, especially as the U.S. continues tightening border and immigration controls globally.
This comes at a time when many Nigerians have raised concerns about stricter U.S. travel scrutiny and increased visa refusals.
