Nigeria Responds to U.S. Visa Policy Shift, Says UAE Yet to Offer Clarity
The Nigerian government has confirmed that only the United States has officially explained its recent changes in visa rules affecting Nigerian travelers.
In a statement released Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the government said it’s taking the matter seriously and is actively working through diplomatic channels.
According to Onanuga, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its long-standing ties with both the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, despite the current visa-related developments.
He explained that U.S. authorities cited two key reasons behind the shift: a rise in visa overstays by Nigerian citizens and challenges with verifying applicant records. These updates, the U.S. noted, are part of a broader review of its global visa reciprocity policy, which may also affect the duration and type of visas issued.
In response, President Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to tighten cooperation on identity verification and ensure Nigeria upholds its international responsibilities. He also urged Nigerians living or traveling abroad to respect the immigration laws of their host countries.
On the UAE front, however, there’s been no formal explanation yet. While it’s observed that visa processing appears to be resuming gradually, the Nigerian government clarified that no official notice of a policy change has been received from Emirati authorities.
Despite the silence, the Tinubu administration acknowledged the UAE’s ongoing cooperation and emphasized that both sides are continuing discussions in good faith.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, stressing that his administration will keep pushing for policies that allow citizens to live, work, and travel with dignity across the globe. These efforts, he added, align with the government’s broader foreign policy goals and engagement with the diaspora.
The message is clear: Nigeria wants answers, but it’s approaching the issue with diplomacy, not drama.
