Our Reporter, Abuja
The Presidency has debunked reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens, describing such claims as fake news and misinformation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Federal Government clarified that the five-year non-immigrant visa policy for US citizens remains in place in line with existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic reciprocity.
“Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens,” the statement read.
Onanuga explained that shortly after taking office, President Tinubu directed all relevant agencies to implement bilateral agreements and adhere to reciprocity in international relations.
The clarification comes in response to the recent adjustment by the United States in its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians, which has sparked speculation and backlash on social media.
While noting that senior government officials are engaging with the US to address what it described as “unfavourable restrictions,” the statement stressed that the US government’s justification of reciprocity for its new visa policy “does not accurately reflect the actual situation.”
“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians,” the Presidency reiterated.
Addressing concerns over Nigeria’s 90-day visa validity, the Presidency said this applies only to the newly introduced e-visa category, which caters to tourists and short-term business visitors seeking faster processing without undergoing the full standard visa application process.
According to the statement, the e-visa replaces the now-defunct visa-on-arrival system, which was prone to abuse and inefficiency. Applicants can now complete the process online and receive their e-visas within 48 hours.
“This fast-track online visa system is part of President Tinubu’s strategy to boost tourism, investment, and the ease of doing business. It aligns with global best practices already adopted by several countries,” Onanuga noted.
However, the statement pointed out that while Nigeria offers e-visa options to US citizens, the US has yet to reciprocate with a similar system for Nigerian applicants.
Despite the disparity, the Tinubu administration reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the US and resolving visa-related issues through constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
“The Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” the statement concluded.
