Presidency Denies Tinubu Halted 5-year Visas for U.S. Citizens

The Presidency has refuted reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to citizens of the United States.

The clarification comes days after the U.S. government announced a major change to its visa policy for Nigerians, reducing the validity and entry limits for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas.

In a statement released on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described the reports as “misinformation,” insisting that no such directive was issued by President Tinubu.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens. This continues in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity,” Onanuga said.

He explained that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu had instructed all federal agencies to uphold Nigeria’s international agreements and diplomatic principles.

According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also issued a statement addressing the U.S. visa changes, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to mutual respect in diplomatic relations.

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations,” the statement read.

Onanuga further stated, “The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.”

He dismissed the U.S. claim that its new policy was based on reciprocity, stating it “does not accurately reflect the actual situation.”

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians,” he clarified.

On the new 90-day single-entry visa policy, Onanuga explained it only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas—meant for tourists and business travellers seeking a faster, online process.

“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion,” he said. “The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.”

He said the e-visa initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader push to improve Nigeria’s business environment, attract investment, and promote tourism.

Although Nigeria has extended this streamlined e-visa option to U.S. citizens, the U.S. has yet to offer a similar gesture to Nigerians, he added.

“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” Onanuga said.