The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the United States has
yet to reverse its recently imposed visa restrictions on certain Nigerian
citizens, despite diplomatic appeals from the Federal Government.
The Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told newsmen on
Wednesday that engagements are ongoing, but the policy is yet to be
reversed so far.
The development means the visa restrictions may remain in place, as the
United States had not provided a formal response to Nigeria’s request for
a review.
Recall that the US government revised its visa reciprocity schedule for
Nigeria, limiting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2
(business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories, to
just three months with single-entry access.
But the Federal Government, in a statement issued last month, expressed
concern over what it described as a disproportionate response by
Washington. It described the move as inconsistent with the principles of
equity and reciprocity expected between friendly nations.
The government also warned that the changes could adversely affect
legitimate travelers, including students, professionals, and families.
The statement called for a reconsideration of the sanctions, urging the US
to act in the spirit of mutual respect and long-standing bilateral relations
between the two countries.
While acknowledging the US’s sovereign right to set its immigration
policies, the Federal Government maintained that the decision could strain
cultural and educational exchanges that had historically been a pillar of US-
Nigeria relations.
