Tinubu never halted 5-year US visa policy, says Presidency
By Kunle Sanni –
The Presidency has refuted widespread reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu halted the issuance of 5-year multiple-entry visas for United States citizens, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the federal government affirmed that Nigeria continues to grant US citizens 5-year non-immigrant visas in line with existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic reciprocity.
“Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens,” the statement read. “His administration, upon assuming office, directed that all bilateral agreements be implemented, including full reciprocity in diplomatic relations.”
The response follows concerns after the US government’s recent decision to restrict visa validity for Nigerian applicants. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the 90-day single-entry visa policy applies only to the newly launched e-visa system — a fast-track digital alternative to the now-discontinued visa-on-arrival policy.
The e-visa, designed for tourists and business visitors seeking short-term access to Nigeria, allows applicants to complete the visa process online without visiting an embassy and typically delivers approval within 48 hours.
The Presidency emphasized that the shift to e-visas is part of broader reforms to attract foreign investment, promote tourism, and improve the ease of doing business. It also noted that the US has yet to reciprocate Nigeria’s introduction of an e-visa system for American citizens.
While the US cited reciprocity as the basis for its revised visa policy towards Nigeria, the Presidency insists that this reasoning does not accurately reflect Nigeria’s current visa practices.
President Tinubu’s administration reiterated its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the United States and said it would continue to engage US officials to ensure visa policies remain fair and mutually respectful.
