The Presidency has denied claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of five-year multiple-entry visas for citizens of the United States, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to its visa reciprocity policy and all bilateral agreements.
This clarification follows growing confusion after the United States government earlier this week announced a revision to its visa regime for Nigerian citizens, significantly reducing visa validity and the number of permissible entries for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic categories.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the allegations circulating in the media and online platforms were “entirely false and misleading.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never ordered a stop to the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens. The policy remains unchanged, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and the longstanding principle of reciprocity,” Onanuga said.
He stressed that upon assuming office, President Tinubu directed all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to respect and implement Nigeria’s international obligations, including visa reciprocity with partner nations.
Onanuga further noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier issued a clarification in response to the U.S. government’s announcement, highlighting that Nigeria continues to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to Americans, contrary to the implication that Nigeria had triggered the reduction.
He explained that the newly introduced 90-day single-entry visa currently applies only to e-Visas, a digital alternative for short-term travel into Nigeria, targeted at tourists and business visitors seeking a faster, simplified application process without embassy visits.
The e-Visa replaces the outdated Visa-on-Arrival system, which had been criticised for inefficiency and abuse.
“Applicants now receive their e-Visas within 48 hours of applying online. This new system supports President Tinubu’s broader agenda of improving the ease of doing business, boosting tourism, and encouraging foreign investment,” he stated.
Onanuga added that despite Nigeria adopting the e-visa policy for U.S. and several other countries, the U.S. has not reciprocated, which he described as a “one-sided application of reciprocity.”
“The Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening diplomatic ties with the United States and will continue to engage constructively with U.S. authorities to address any misunderstandings or policy gaps,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s visa policies remain guided by mutual respect, international cooperation, and the strategic goal of attracting investors and fostering friendly relations.
