The United States has announced new travel restrictions affecting citizens of 24 countries, including Nigeria, as part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to tighten border security.
In a statement released by the White House, the U.S. government said the decision was based on what it described as serious gaps in screening, vetting, and information-sharing processes in the affected countries.
Officials argued that these weaknesses pose risks to U.S. national security and public safety.
Under the new proclamation, eight countries face a full suspension of entry, while 16 others are placed under partial restrictions.
The measures apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants, particularly those seeking entry on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
Nigeria was listed under the partial suspension category. U.S. authorities cited security concerns linked to the activities of extremist groups in parts of the country, alongside visa overstay statistics, as reasons for the decision.
Other African nations affected include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Angola, Benin, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
Countries in Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East were also named in the restrictions.
The White House maintained that the policy is designed to prevent the entry of individuals who cannot be properly vetted, while encouraging affected countries to improve cooperation with U.S. immigration and security standards.
