The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the new visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are not targeted at Nigerians, but are part of efforts to strengthen security and improve visa screening processes.
Mills made the clarification on Sunday in Abuja during a news conference held as part of the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation to Nigeria.
What the New U.S. Visa Rules Are About
According to the ambassador, the visa restrictions stem from a presidential proclamation that will take effect on January 1, 2026. The proclamation affects certain visa categories and is aimed at improving border security and protecting American communities.
Mills explained that the review focuses on proper vetting and the availability of reliable information during the visa application process.
“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” he said.
Visa Categories and Exemptions
The ambassador noted that the proclamation clearly outlines:
- The specific visa categories that may be affected
- Exemptions for certain groups
These exemptions include:
- Holders of official and diplomatic passports
- Individuals travelling to the United States for religious work
Mills advised Nigerians to check the official U.S. Embassy website for accurate and updated information on affected visa categories and exemptions. He also encouraged applicants with specific questions to contact the embassy through its official communication channels.
U.S. Says Restrictions Are Not Punitive
Also speaking at the event, the leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation, Representative Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions are standard tools used by governments worldwide.
According to Huizenga, such measures are meant to encourage cooperation and compliance, not to punish citizens of any country. He added that similar visa reviews are applied across different regions globally.
Commitment to Nigeria Remains Strong
Despite the new restrictions, the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to strong people-to-people ties with Nigeria. Officials said the measures are part of broader engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing shared security concerns.
Background to the Visa Restrictions
Last week, the United States added Nigeria to a list of countries facing partial travel restrictions following a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump as part of efforts to tighten U.S. border controls.
The White House said the decision was based on “data-driven assessments” of security, vetting, and immigration compliance risks. Nigeria joins 14 other countries under partial suspension, while some countries face full bans or continued restrictions.