The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has explained the reasons behind recent visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians, stressing that the measures are aimed at strengthening security rather than targeting citizens.
Mills who spoke on Sunday in Abuja during a news conference held alongside the visit of a U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL), said that the restrictions were part of broader efforts by the U.S. government to secure its borders and protect American communities.
Mills explained that a presidential proclamation scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, will affect certain visa categories to ensure thorough vetting and the availability of credible information in the visa application process.
He emphasised that the policy is not intended to penalise Nigerians.
The ambassador noted that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected and also provides exemptions for specific groups.
These include holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling to the United States for religious activities.
Mills advised prospective visa applicants and the general public to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for comprehensive details on the policy, affected categories and exemptions.
He also encouraged those seeking further clarification to use the embassy’s designated communication channels.
Also speaking, the leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation, Representative Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions are routine tools used to promote compliance and cooperation, not punitive measures directed at citizens.
He added that such reviews focus mainly on government systems and processes and are commonly applied in countries around the world.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. government has reaffirmed its commitment to strong people-to-people relations with Nigeria, describing the visa measures as part of ongoing engagement to deepen bilateral cooperation while addressing shared security concern.
Culled from NationalPosts