Interior Minister Meets US Ambassador Over New Visa Rules For Nigerians

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, to discuss the newly introduced US visa procedures affecting Nigerian citizens.

The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, came just a day after the United States government announced sweeping changes to its visa policy for Nigeria. The new rules significantly reduce the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians.

In a post shared on his X handle, Tunji-Ojo stated, “Our government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR), will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas.”

The minister said the purpose of the meeting was to reinforce diplomatic cooperation between both nations through a mutually respectful and transparent visa framework.

According to him, the discussion centered on the implications of the new US visa rules for Nigerian travellers. He noted that the ambassador provided “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.”

Tunji-Ojo added that the ambassador also commended Nigeria’s recent technological reforms in immigration, stating, “The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country.”

He further revealed that both parties agreed to enhance cooperation between the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria to ensure greater compliance with visa regulations.

“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety,” he added.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

Meanwhile, the US embassy clarified that nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be limited to single-entry and valid for just three months. This adjustment, the embassy said, is part of a broader global reciprocity realignment. Previously, many Nigerian applicants were granted multi-entry visas valid for up to two years or more.

It was also noted that Nigeria applies similar visa terms for Americans seeking entry into the country — typically offering single-entry visas valid for three months.