- Tinubu Never Halted Five Year Non-immigrant Visas for U.S. Citizens — Presidency
- Onanuga clarified that the 90 day single entry visa validity applies only to the newly introduced eVisas
- The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to issue five year multiple entry visas to citizens of the United States, in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity, according to the Presidency.
The Presidency dismissed as false and misleading the claims circulating online that the Nigerian government had stopped granting U.S. citizens five year multiple entry nonimmigrant visas.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Edo: Tinubu Congratulates Okpebholo On Supreme Court Victory
- Akpabio Strips Senator Natasha Of Committee Leadership Role
- Supreme Court Upholds Okpebholo’s Election as Edo Governor, Dismisses PDP Appeal
The clarification was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement released Thursday in Abuja.
He stated that upon taking office, President Tinubu’s administration directed all government agencies to fully implement bilateral agreements with other countries and uphold the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic affairs.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.
“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.
“We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation,” Onanuga stated.
He emphasized that the Nigerian government has not stopped issuing five year multiple entry nonimmigrant visas to U.S. citizens, just as the United States continues to offer the same to Nigerians.
He also clarified that the 90 day single entry visa validity applies only to the newly introduced eVisas—a short term visa category designed for tourists and business travelers who prefer to avoid the standard visa application process and waiting period.
“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.
“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.
“Although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.
“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, 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 added.
FURTHER READING
- Hon. Wale Anomo Receives Royal Blessings from Six Obas in Ikosi-Ejinrin Ahead of July 12 LG Poll
- Sanwo-Olu Warns of Growing Drug Abuse Crisis
Click here to watch video of the week
