In a major diplomatic engagement aimed at addressing visa concerns, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, met with United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, on Wednesday, July 9, in Abuja.
The meeting followed the U.S. government’s recent announcement of a new visa regime that affects Nigerian citizens.
The closed-door discussion was also attended by Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
Their presence signified the gravity of the new travel policy and the government’s commitment to resolving it swiftly.
The United States had earlier disclosed a reduction in visa validity for Nigerians, limiting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to just three months with single entry.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, July 8, sparked concerns among many Nigerians, especially frequent travellers, students, and professionals.
However, Tunji-Ojo described the discussions as “constructive,” adding that the U.S. side clearly explained the motivation behind the policy shift.
He noted that the change is part of global standards aimed at preserving the integrity of the immigration process.
“The U.S. envoy provided detailed explanations about the new visa procedures and their alignment with international standards,” Tunji-Ojo said in a statement.
Moreover, the Minister confirmed that the United States had endorsed Nigeria’s new e-visa system, which is designed to make the travel process easier for foreign visitors entering the country.
“This endorsement of Nigeria’s e-visa system is a strong signal that we’re on the right path to digital transformation,” Tunji-Ojo added.
Furthermore, both parties reportedly agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas. These include ensuring secure travel documentation, enhancing visa overstay tracking, and exchanging critical security and criminal data.
The Nigerian government also pledged to implement improved policies to meet the required immigration security benchmarks, thereby working towards a future where reciprocal visa arrangements can be more balanced.
