Abuja – The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are intended to strengthen security procedures and are not directed at Nigerians.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja during the visit of a U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL), Mills explained that the presidential proclamation, effective Jan. 1, 2026, affects certain visa categories as part of broader measures to secure U.S. borders and protect American communities.
“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.
He noted that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories affected and specifies exemptions, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious work.
The ambassador advised visa applicants and the public to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for detailed information on the affected visa categories and available exemptions. He also encouraged those with specific enquiries to use the embassy’s designated communication channels.
Rep. Bill Huizenga, leader of the visiting Congressional delegation, added that visa reviews and restrictions are routine tools aimed at ensuring compliance and cooperation, rather than punitive measures targeting citizens. He stressed that such reviews focus primarily on government systems and processes, not on the Nigerian people, and are commonly applied worldwide.
The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong people-to-people ties with Nigeria, describing the visa measures as part of wider efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address shared security concerns.
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