The United States has clarified that its recent visa policy changes for Nigerians are not intended as a form of punishment, but as a way to improve security and service delivery.
At a joint press briefing in Abuja with Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, explained the new measures are part of a global review.
Mills emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship, stating: “Let me be clear, the United States values its very strong relationship with Nigeria and the many kinds of connections that exist between our two countries. Visa compliance is a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect between our two nations. If you overstay, it can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the US, which we don’t want to see Nigerian citizens face.”
Read Also: FG Reveals List Of States To Experience Flooding
He added that the changes were necessary because “We needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities we saw in our visa processing.”
The ambassador urged applicants to be truthful in their submissions, warning that false information could lead to a ban.
On his part, Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed suggestions that the policy was discriminatory, describing the US as “a key partner in Nigeria’s social and economic development.”
He said he and the ambassador had a “very useful and productive discussion about US visa laws and how to communicate to the Nigerian people the importance of compliance.”
He added that the Federal Government would continue to work with the US mission “to provide timely and accurate information on visa matters, particularly the importance of compliance.”
The session ended with a joint commitment to keep Nigerians informed and to strengthen bilateral relations through transparency and respect for the law.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
To Publish Articles, News, Place Advert, Contact Informant Online With Email Link Below: informantonline.com.ng@gmail.com
