The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has stated that the visa restrictions announced by the government are aimed at strengthening security procedures and not to penalise Nigerians.
Mills provided clarification on the visa restrictions during a news conference on Sunday in Abuja during the visit of a U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Nigeria.
He disclosed that the restrictions, which take effect from January 1, 2026, are part of measures to secure U.S. borders and protect American communities.
“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills stated.
Mills outlined exemptions for certain groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious work.
Speaking further, he advised applicants to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for detailed information on the proclamation, affected visa categories and available exemptions.
The ambassador further urged those with specific enquiries to use the designated communication channels provided by the embassy for further guidance.
