The Federal Government has debunked claims circulating online that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has halted the issuance of 5-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens.

In a statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency affirmed that the Nigerian government continues to grant 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visas to U.S. citizens, in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.

According to Onanuga, upon assuming office, President Tinubu directed all ministries and agencies to uphold Nigeria’s international obligations and bilateral agreements, especially those involving mutual diplomatic relations.

The clarification follows recent adjustments by the United States to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian applicants, which has sparked speculation and misinformation regarding Nigeria’s visa policies for Americans.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to honouring subsisting agreements and reciprocity, adding that senior government officials are engaging with their U.S. counterparts to address the new visa restrictions in a fair and balanced manner.

“We wish to reiterate that the U.S. government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy toward Nigeria does not accurately reflect the true situation,” the statement read.

The Presidency explained that Nigeria’s newly introduced 90-day single-entry e-Visa applies only to short-term travel categories such as tourism and business. The e-Visa process, which replaces the now-discontinued Visa-on-Arrival, is fully digital, requires no embassy visit, and delivers visas within 48 hours.

The e-Visa initiative, according to Onanuga, is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to enhance trade, investment, and tourism, and to improve the ease of doing business for foreign nationals. He also noted that this model aligns with international best practices, as many countries now operate similar e-visa systems.

Despite Nigeria’s openness to U.S. travelers via the e-Visa platform, the U.S. has yet to implement a reciprocal system for Nigerian citizens.

In conclusion, the Tinubu administration expressed its commitment to ongoing diplomatic engagement with the United States, stressing the need to maintain the cordial and longstanding relations between both nations.