The Presidency has dismissed rumours suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has cancelled the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for United States citizens. In a statement released Thursday, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the claims as “misinformation and fake news,” reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity with the United States.
This clarification follows public concern stemming from recent adjustments to the U.S. visa policy for Nigerians, which now restricts certain categories of non-immigrant visas to a three-month, single-entry validity. The development had sparked speculation that Nigeria had responded with similar restrictions.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to fully implementing all bilateral agreements and upholding diplomatic reciprocity. He stressed that Nigeria has not suspended the five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa for U.S. citizens, which remains available through standard application processes.
Understanding the E-Visa Policy
The Presidency explained that the 90-day, single-entry visa applies only to Nigeria’s recently introduced e-visa system – a faster, fully online application option intended for tourists and short-term business travelers. This e-visa replaces the former visa-on-arrival arrangement, which had been criticized for inefficiency and exploitation.
The e-visa, which can be processed within 48 hours, is part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to attract investment, promote tourism, and enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business. However, the Presidency noted that while Nigeria has extended the e-visa system to U.S. citizens, the United States has yet to offer a similar fast-track option to Nigerians.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other top government officials, the statement added, are in ongoing talks with U.S. authorities to address what Nigeria sees as “unfavourable restrictions,” and are pushing for fairer visa arrangements based on mutual respect and cooperation.
In summary, the Presidency made it clear: U.S. citizens can still apply for the regular five-year visa through standard channels, while the new 90-day e-visa is strictly for short-term visits.
