The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr, and Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, met to address the recent U.S. visa policy changes that have escalated concern among Nigerian travelers.
The meeting, held on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Abuja, was said to have focused on strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring compliance with international travel protocols through information.
This comes after a new U.S. visa policy change saw the U.S. reduce the validity of non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians to single-entry, three-month terms.
Speaking on the U.S. visa policy changes, during a press briefing in Abuja, Mills clarified that the new visa measures announced by the U.S. Mission are not punitive, but rather part of a global effort to tighten security, enhance service delivery, and ensure compliance with US immigration laws.
He said: “Myself and the minister just had a very useful and productive discussion about US visa laws and how to communicate to the Nigerian people the importance of compliance with US visa laws.
“Let me be clear, the United States values its very strong relationship with Nigeria and the many kinds of connections that exist between our two countries.
“U.S. visas play a vital role in keeping these countries going and strengthening them
“Both governments want visitors to respect our national laws and regulations.”
Mills also warned that visa misuse, such as overstaying or providing inaccurate information, undermines trust and can lead to severe personal consequences, including deportation or a lifetime travel ban.
“If you overstay, it can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the US, which we don’t want to see Nigerian citizens face,” he said.
He urged applicants to be honest and transparent, stressing that “visa compliance is a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect between our two nations.”
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to visit the US embassy website for official guidance and support.
“If you have any questions about our visa regulations or policies, don’t hesitate to go to our website. All Nigerians have access to it,” the envoy added.
The minister, in his remarks, praised the U.S. envoy for taking the initiative to clarify its position on the recent U.S. visa policy changes directly with the Nigerian public.
“This brings me to believe that we need to come together at times like this to have a common position so that Nigerians can be better informed about what we do,” he said.
The minister described Nigerians as global travellers who frequent the United States more than almost any other destination and emphasised the importance of clear, accessible information about visa processes.
“Nigerians visit almost all parts of the world, and because we engage and we travel a lot, we feel that it is necessary to have information shared with us from time to time as it affects the travels amongst our people,” he said.
Mohammed reaffirmed that the ministry will continue to work closely with the US Mission to ensure transparency, understanding, and public education on all consular issues.
“Let me recognise the mutual respect and partnership between Nigeria and the United States and its embassy to keep Nigerian travellers well informed about its visa and consular services,” he said.
