The Federal Government has denied claims circulating on social media that Nigeria has stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens, insisting that the policy remains in place and unchanged.
The Presidency clarified in a statement that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never halted the issuance of long-term visas to American nationals, contrary to the basis cited by the US government for its recent adjustment to Nigeria’s visa policy.
It reaffirmed that Nigeria continues to uphold all bilateral agreements with the United States, including the principle of reciprocity in visa issuance.
“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a directive for the full implementation of all bilateral agreements with other nations, including reciprocity in diplomatic matters,” the statement read.
The clarification comes in response to Washington’s announcement on Tuesday that it would begin issuing single-entry, three-month non-immigrant visas to Nigerians, citing reciprocity as justification.
However, the Nigerian government has contested that rationale, insisting that US citizens still receive five-year multiple-entry visas when applying through the standard process.
According to the government, the 90-day single-entry visas being referred to by the US only apply to Nigeria’s newly introduced electronic visa (e-Visa), a short-term travel document designed for business travellers and tourists seeking a faster, embassy-free application process.
The e-Visa, which replaces the outdated visa-on-arrival system, is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda to improve ease of doing business, attract investment, and boost tourism.
“The e-Visa system allows applicants to obtain travel authorisation within 48 hours and is similar to digital visa policies already adopted by several countries globally,” the statement noted.
It further highlighted that while Nigeria has extended e-Visa eligibility to US citizens, the US has yet to reciprocate.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior government officials are said to be engaging with their US counterparts to resolve the issue diplomatically.
“The Tinubu administration remains committed to deepening Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with the United States based on mutual respect, shared interests, and fairness,” the statement concluded.
