House of Reps Slam US Over Visa Clampdown, Demand Return of 5-Year Entry for Nigerians
In a bold move this week, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has openly condemned a controversial decision by the United States to slash the validity of non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens.
It’s a diplomatic row that’s brewing quickly. The US policy shift, effective from July 8, 2025, replaces the five-year multiple-entry visa previously granted to Nigerians with a restrictive three-month single-entry permit. Lawmakers in Abuja are not having it.
“This new policy will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres,” declared Hon.
Muhammad Muktar during a charged parliamentary session. He co-sponsored the motion with Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Adefiranye Ayodele Festus, Hon. Atu Chimaobi Sam, and Hon. Akiba Bassey Ekpenyong.
The Nigerian parliamentarians are sounding the alarm on what they see as an unnecessary and damaging move.
Their concern? This isn’t just about visas, it’s about the people.
They say the policy threatens to derail academic programmes, break up families, and hamper business operations for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Nigeria receives over $1 billion monthly in remittances, and many lawmakers argue that tampering with diaspora access could undercut one of the country’s most critical economic lifelines.
What makes this sting more, they say, is the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the US.
The motion before the House painted a vivid picture of shared values, democracy, education, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
And the contributions of Nigerians in America haven’t gone unnoticed. “Nigerians in the U.S. have made enormous contributions to healthcare, technology, academia, arts, and public service.
Names like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Bennet Omalu, and Uzoma Asagwara are just a few among many,” lawmakers highlighted.
The House of Reps isn’t stopping at rhetoric. They’ve taken concrete steps. They’ve directed the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group (NUSPFG) to convey Nigeria’s formal objection to the US Congress, State Department, and the American embassy in Abuja.
They’ve also tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with stepping up diplomatic engagement, fast. The message is clear: Nigeria expects better.
In urging the US to reconsider, the House of Reps called for a more thoughtful, person-focused visa strategy, one that reflects the depth of cooperation between both nations.
They’re pushing for people-first diplomacy, stressing that Nigeria remains a pivotal player in African peace, security, and democratic development.
For many in Nigeria, the US decision feels like a step backwards. This is not just policy, it’s personal. And Abuja wants Washington to know that.
