U.S. Ambassador Clarifies Visa Restrictions Are Not Targeted at Nigerians
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the recent U.S. visa restrictions are designed to strengthen security procedures and are not specifically aimed at Nigerian citizens. Ambassador Mills made the statement on Sunday in Abuja during a press briefing held alongside a visit by a U.S. Congressional Delegation. He explained that the presidential proclamation, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, impacts certain visa categories as part of broader efforts to enhance U.S. border security and protect American communities.
Mills emphasized that the review focuses on proper vetting and the collection of accurate information during the visa application process, rather than penalizing Nigerian applicants. “The visa review is focused on proper screening and accurate information, not on penalizing Nigerians,” he said. He further explained that the proclamation clearly specifies which visa types may be affected and includes exemptions for holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals traveling to the U.S. for religious purposes. The Ambassador urged Nigerians and prospective applicants to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for details on affected visa categories and exemptions and to use official channels for inquiries.
Representative Bill Huizenga, leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation, also addressed the event, stressing that visa reviews and restrictions are standard procedures intended to ensure compliance and cooperation rather than punish citizens. He noted that such measures typically target governmental systems and processes rather than individuals and that similar reviews are conducted worldwide.
The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to strong people-to-people ties with Nigeria, explaining that these measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and address shared security concerns. Last week, Nigeria was added to a new list of countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions following a presidential proclamation signed by President Donald Trump. The White House described the proclamation as based on data-driven assessments of security, vetting, and immigration compliance risks. The partial travel restrictions affect both immigrant visas and selected non-immigrant categories. With this addition, Nigeria joins 14 other countries under partial suspension, while several African and non-African nations continue to face either full bans or ongoing restrictions.
