The Bola Tinubu administration has vowed to introduce strict visa requirements for U.S. citizens seeking entry into Nigeria.
This move comes as a direct response to the United States’ decision to demand social media handles from Nigerian visa applicants.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that on Monday, August 18, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced that all Nigerian applicants must now list every social media handle they have used in the past five years on the DS-160 form.
The embassy warned that failing to comply would lead to automatic visa denial.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years,” the mission said in its statement.
The requirement covers major platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. While usernames must be disclosed, passwords are not required.
The U.S. government explained that the policy strengthens national security by allowing consular officers to vet applicants’ online presence as part of background checks. Authorities also cautioned that any omission or false declaration could cause processing delays, visa refusal, or even future ineligibility.
Reacting to the development, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Nigeria would adopt reciprocal measures. He stressed that visa rules operate on a principle of reciprocity.
“We are aware of the development. The U.S. informed us earlier that they would implement this measure. So, on matters like this, the best step is to reciprocate.
When Americans apply for visas to Nigeria, we will require the same from them,” Ebienfa said.
He explained that the Nigerian government would convene an inter-agency meeting to decide the exact framework for enforcing the new rule.
“Stakeholders will meet and agree on the best way to respond holistically,” he added.
This tit-for-tat policy signals growing tension in visa relations between both countries.
While Washington insists the requirement protects its national security, Abuja believes Nigerian applicants should not face stricter demands without reciprocity.
For now, Nigerians applying to the U.S. must prepare to disclose all their social media handles from the past five years, while American travelers may soon face the same hurdle before setting foot in Nigeria.
