Reports emerging on Monday, September 1, 2025, have revealed that in recent weeks, the U.S. has been quietly revoking valid visas issued to Nigerian citizens.
It was gathered that the development has left many Nigerians, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travelers, in a state of panic and uncertainty.
According to reports, U.S. began revoking visas of Nigerian citizens through formal letters sent to their emails.
In the formal letters, the affected citizens were instructed by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria to submit their passports at the consulates in Lagos or Abuja.
Upon arriving at the consulates, the affected citizens received the news of the revocation.
It was also gathered that the U.S. cited Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, which references “new information” as the basis for cancellation, offering no further explanation or avenue for appeal.
The lack of transparency surrounding these U.S. visa revocations has fueled frustration and fear.
This development was also confirmed in an article released by the former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye.
In the article titled: The quiet revocation: Why is the U.S silently cancelling Nigerians’ visas?, Soneyen said that among those impacted are a prominent journalist, the head of a federal government agency scheduled to deliver an international address, and an Abuja-based entrepreneur with a spotless travel record.
Others include professionals and frequent travellers who rely on visas for education, family reunions, medical treatment, and critical business engagements.
He said: “In recent weeks, an unsettling trend has quietly unfolded: the United States Embassy in Nigeria has begun revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens.
“This is not rumour or speculation. Dozens of affected Nigerians, professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travellers have received formal letters instructing them to submit their passports at the consulate in Lagos or Abuja, only to have their visas unceremoniously cancelled.
“What makes this development even more alarming is the veil of silence surrounding it. I have personally reviewed at least eight such cancellation letters. The notices cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122 as the legal basis, vaguely stating that “new information became available after the visa was issued.” Beyond that, nothing is explained. No evidence is shared. No avenue for appeal is offered. Recipients are merely advised to reapply if they wish, an instruction that provides no comfort to those suddenly stripped of their mobility.
“For many, this is not just about stamps on a passport. These visas are lifelines for education, family reunions, medical treatment, and critical business. To have them snatched away without explanation is to leave lives suspended in confusion and despair.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that while the reason for the decision of the U.S. to begin revoking visas issued to Nigerians remains sketchy, it comes as the administration of President Donald Trump has been rolling out a series of visa restrictions.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s top economies and a longstanding U.S. partner, has found itself caught in the web of visa restrictions.
Recall that the U.S recently slashed the visa validity of Nigerians to three months with a single visa entry.
Also, the U.S. had announced that visa applicants must submit their 5-year social media activity for background checks.
