The Presidency has debunked claims linking the U.S. government’s recent visa restrictions on Nigerians to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the clarification was made on Thursday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
He stated that President Tinubu never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens.
Upon assuming office, Tinubu issued a directive for Nigeria to honour all bilateral agreements and uphold the principle of reciprocity in international diplomacy.
The response came amid public uproar following the U.S. government’s decision to reduce most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry, three-month validity permits.
Some reports falsely claimed the U.S. action was in retaliation for Nigeria’s alleged decision to halt five-year multiple-entry visas for Americans.
Onanuga dismissed those claims as misinformation and fake news.
“Contrary to misinformation circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to U.S. citizens, in accordance with bilateral agreements and reciprocity,” the statement read.
He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already explained the government’s position and would continue to engage with the United States to reverse the visa restrictions.
Onanuga further clarified that the 90-day single-entry visa applies only to the newly introduced e-visa system.
The e-visa, designed for tourists and business visitors, replaces the inefficient and abuse-prone visa-on-arrival scheme.
Applicants can now receive their e-visa within 48 hours without needing to visit an embassy.
The e-visa policy aligns with Tinubu’s broader effort to boost investment, trade, and tourism while simplifying access for foreign visitors.
Despite Nigeria offering this modern system to U.S. citizens, Onanuga noted that America has yet to reciprocate with similar access for Nigerians.
He emphasized that the Tinubu-led government would continue diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. to resolve the issue in a fair and respectful manner.