Following the US’ decision to stop issuing 2-5 year visas to Nigerian citizens amongst others, the presidency has come out to reiterate president Tinubu never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency stated “contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens”
Negotiations with US Ongoing
The Ministry and other senior government officials is set to continue engagements with the United States to address the latest restrictions in a bid to find a solution to the issue.
“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.” The statement read in part.
General Misunderstanding of Policy
The Nigerian government noted it has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa as the 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.
“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.
“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 concluded.
