The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has said that the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are not aimed at Nigerians but are intended to strengthen security and vetting procedures.
Mills made the clarification on Sunday in Abuja during a press briefing held as part of the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation to Nigeria. He explained that the presidential proclamation, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, affects specific visa categories and forms part of broader efforts to secure U.S. borders and protect American communities.
According to the ambassador, the review focuses on ensuring credible information and proper vetting in the visa application process, rather than punishing Nigerian applicants. He noted that the proclamation clearly outlines the affected visa categories and provides exemptions for certain groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.
Mills urged visa applicants to consult the official U.S. Embassy website for accurate details on the restrictions and exemptions, and to use designated embassy communication channels for further enquiries.
Also speaking at the event, the leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation, Representative Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions are routine measures used globally to encourage compliance and cooperation. He stressed that such actions are typically directed at government systems and processes, not at citizens.
The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to strong people-to-people ties with Nigeria, describing the visa measures as part of wider engagement to strengthen bilateral relations and address shared security concerns.
Nigeria was recently added to a list of countries facing partial travel restrictions under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, based on what the White House described as data-driven assessments of security, vetting, and immigration compliance risks.
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