The Presidency has debunked reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the issuance of 5-year non-immigrant visas to citizens of the United States, describing such claims as “misinformation and fake news.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency maintained that the Tinubu administration has not altered Nigeria’s visa policy toward U.S. citizens and continues to issue 5-year multiple-entry visas in line with existing bilateral agreements and principles of reciprocity.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens,” the statement read. “Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.”
The clarification follows the United States Department of State’s recent announcement of new visa rules for Nigerian nationals. According to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be limited to single entry and valid for only three months. The embassy, however, noted that visas issued prior to the new directive will remain valid under their original terms.
The U.S. decision prompted speculation that it was a retaliatory move following an alleged reversal of Nigeria’s visa policy under Tinubu — a claim the Presidency has now denied.
“The US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency further clarified that the newly introduced 90-day single-entry visa applies only to Nigeria’s e-Visa category, which is designed for short-term tourism and business travel. Unlike traditional visas, the e-visa is processed online within 48 hours, and does not require in-person visits to embassies — a move the government says is intended to replace the now-defunct and problematic visa-on-arrival system.
“This e-visa initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in Nigeria, while improving the ease of doing business,” the statement said. “It is a globally accepted model already adopted by many countries.”
The Presidency also noted that while Nigeria has extended the e-visa facility to U.S. citizens, the same has not been reciprocated by Washington.
“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 U.S. authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” Onanuga said.
