US Mission Nigeria

The United States Mission in Nigeria has clarified that its recent decision to reduce visa validity for most Nigerian nonimmigrant travellers is not politically motivated, nor is it related to Nigeria’s growing ties with the BRICS bloc or its immigration policies.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Friday, the U.S. Mission dismissed widespread speculation that the change was a retaliatory response to Nigeria’s foreign policy positions.

“This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS,” the statement read.

Instead, the mission explained that the measure is part of an ongoing global security and technical review of visa processes, aimed at strengthening the integrity of U.S. immigration systems.

According to the statement, the new validity structure is based on a global reassessment using “technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems.”

The embassy reiterated its commitment to Nigeria-U.S. relations and expressed readiness to support the country in meeting the updated visa criteria.

“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks,” the mission added.

It emphasised that the overall objective is to maintain “safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.”