The Presidency has dismissed widespread reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of 5-year multiple-entry visas for citizens of the United States, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that the Federal Government has not stopped granting US citizens long-term visas, contrary to viral misinformation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens,” Onanuga stated. “This is in line with existing bilateral agreements and the longstanding principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.”
He explained that the Tinubu administration, upon taking office, directed all government agencies to honour and implement international agreements signed by Nigeria with other nations, including the United States.
Onanuga added that the Federal Government remains committed to mutual respect and cooperation between Nigeria and the US, and that ongoing diplomatic engagements are underway to address concerns arising from the recent US non-immigrant visa restrictions placed on Nigerian applicants.
He emphasized that the recent introduction of a 90-day single-entry e-visa policy by Nigeria does not affect American citizens already eligible for the standard 5-year visa. “The 90-day validity period applies only to the newly launched e-Visa platform, which is designed to ease entry for tourists and short-term business visitors,” he noted.
According to him, the e-visa replaces the now obsolete visa-on-arrival regime, which had been plagued by inefficiency and abuse. The new system, he said, allows applicants to complete the process online and receive approval within 48 hours without visiting an embassy.
“The US government’s claim that its policy is based on reciprocity does not reflect the actual situation,” Onanuga said. “The Nigerian government continues to grant US citizens a 5-year non-immigrant visa, and expects the same in return.”
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening trade, tourism, and investment through policies that promote ease of access for international partners.
“In the spirit of partnership and mutual understanding that has long defined the relationship between our two countries, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to engage US authorities to resolve all related concerns in a fair and balanced manner,” he concluded.
