The Nigerian government has officially dismissed circulating reports that it has halted the issuance of 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visas to citizens of the United States. According to the Presidency, Nigeria has not altered its existing visa policies for American nationals and remains firmly committed to long-standing diplomatic agreements between both countries.

This clarification came on Thursday through Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy. He emphatically stated that the federal government continues to offer five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible U.S. citizens under terms guided by the principle of reciprocity and the bilateral agreements that have long existed between Nigeria and the United States.

Debunking Online Misinformation

The need for this official position followed the spread of misinformation and confusion online, triggered by the U.S. government’s recent adjustment to its visa policy toward Nigerian citizens. Several social media posts and blog reports had claimed that Nigeria had responded by suspending its long-term visa offerings for Americans. However, the Presidency has now made it clear that no such decision has been taken.

In his statement, Onanuga firmly asserted: “Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens. The Nigerian government continues to act in accordance with the principle of mutual respect, reciprocity, and existing bilateral agreements.”

He added that the United States’ justification for its policy change, allegedly citing reciprocity, does not accurately reflect the current facts of the diplomatic relationship. Nigeria, he stressed, has maintained consistency in issuing long-term visas to American travelers and expects the same treatment in return.

U.S. Visa Policy Adjustment Sparks Concern

The controversy stems from recent changes by the U.S. State Department to its visa issuance guidelines for Nigerian applicants. The new policy sees the duration of visas for some categories reduced from previous multi-year terms to shorter, single-entry or 90-day limits.

The U.S. embassy cited the principle of reciprocity for this adjustment, suggesting that Nigeria had not been granting similar long-term visas to American citizens, which would warrant a proportional response. However, Nigerian authorities challenge this claim and insist that the country has not deviated from its commitment to reciprocity, particularly in its dealings with U.S. nationals.

Reaffirming Bilateral Commitments

In response to the unfolding situation, the Nigerian government has clarified that it continues to offer 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visas to American travelers. These visas, according to Onanuga’s statement, are provided in line with international best practices, longstanding diplomatic commitments, and the guiding principle of equitable treatment.

He noted, “Nigeria has upheld its part of the bilateral agreement by continuing to issue 5-year visas to U.S. citizens. We expect that our partners will equally act in good faith to maintain the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship we have enjoyed for decades.”

He further emphasized that Nigeria remains open to continued dialogue with the U.S. government to resolve any outstanding concerns or misinterpretations related to visa policies.

Introduction of the e-Visa: A Parallel Innovation

While the controversy around long-term visas gained attention, another visa-related development has been mistakenly conflated with the 5-year visa policy. The government clarified that the only category currently restricted to a shorter duration is the newly introduced electronic visa, or e-Visa.

This e-Visa option, which has a validity of 90 days and allows for single entry, is designed specifically for tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors who prioritize speed and ease of access. Unlike traditional visa processing that may require in-person visits to embassies, the e-Visa system is fully digital and processed entirely online, typically within 48 hours.

According to the statement, this innovation replaces the now-discontinued Visa-on-Arrival scheme, which was previously vulnerable to abuse and extortion-related complaints. By introducing a streamlined and transparent e-Visa process, the Tinubu-led administration aims to bolster Nigeria’s investment appeal, promote tourism, and simplify the process of doing business for international visitors.

However, the government clarified that the existence of the e-Visa does not affect the availability of longer-term visas, such as the 5-year multiple-entry visa, for travelers who meet the eligibility criteria.

U.S. Yet to Offer Nigeria Reciprocal e-Visa Access

Despite Nigeria’s roll-out of the 90-day e-Visa to citizens of several countries, including the United States, the Nigerian government observed that the U.S. has yet to introduce a similar digital option for Nigerian applicants. At present, Nigerians still undergo traditional visa application procedures for most U.S. visa categories, which involve embassy visits, interviews, and long processing times.

In light of this, the Presidency has expressed its readiness to engage with U.S. authorities through high-level diplomatic discussions. The goal, according to the government, is to ensure that any changes in visa policy between both countries are grounded in fairness, transparency, and the mutual respect that has historically characterized their relationship.

Strengthening Nigeria-U.S. Relations

Nigeria and the United States have maintained strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties for decades. The U.S. remains one of Nigeria’s top trading partners and a significant provider of foreign aid and development assistance. Conversely, Nigeria plays a strategic role in regional stability, security cooperation, and as a key energy supplier.

The Tinubu administration has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing these ties by pursuing policies that reflect Nigeria’s evolving global role and economic ambitions. The maintenance of long-term visa issuance for Americans is seen as part of this broader commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation.

As Onanuga pointed out, “We are working to improve the ease of doing business, promote tourism, and attract foreign investment. Visa reforms are essential to this agenda, but they must also be aligned with the realities of our diplomatic relationships.”

Future Engagement and Policy Refinement

The Presidency noted that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to lead efforts in engaging with U.S. officials to address visa-related concerns and ensure a balanced approach going forward. It emphasized that constructive dialogue, rather than media speculation, should guide the future of Nigeria-U.S. visa policy.

In conclusion, the Nigerian government reassured U.S. citizens that the 5-year multiple-entry visa policy remains firmly in place and that the recent introduction of the 90-day e-Visa option should not be interpreted as a change to the broader visa regime. The government continues to prioritize fairness, mutual respect, and strategic partnerships in its foreign relations.

With Nigeria increasingly positioning itself as a major player in global affairs and digital innovation, officials say that visa policy must reflect the country’s openness and commitment to facilitating productive global exchanges—whether through tourism, business, or diplomatic engagements.