The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun formal engagements with the governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates following recent adjustments in their visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Tuesday, the presidency confirmed that relevant Nigerian ministries, departments, and agencies are working through diplomatic channels to address the implications of the new visa rules.
According to the U.S. government, the decision to alter its visa policy for Nigerians was driven by two key concerns: the frequency of overstays by Nigerian nationals and challenges in accessing reliable identity records.
The U.S. clarified that the changes were part of a broader, routinely reviewed global visa reciprocity process, which includes variations in the number of allowable entries and visa validity periods.
In response, President Tinubu has directed federal agencies to enhance compliance with Nigeria’s international commitments and improve cooperation mechanisms for verifying the identities of Nigerians applying for consular services abroad.
He also urged Nigerian citizens to respect the immigration laws of their host countries and to use their travel documentation responsibly.
On the situation with the United Arab Emirates, the Nigerian government said it has not yet received formal notice from UAE authorities regarding any new visa policy. However, it acknowledged that visa processing is gradually resuming.
“The government of the United Arab Emirates has remained cooperative and engaged with Nigerian officials,” the statement noted. “Any legitimate concerns raised are being resolved through appropriate diplomatic processes.”
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
He stressed that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its diplomatic relationships with both the U.S. and the UAE, in line with the administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy strategy, particularly its Diaspora engagement.
The government pledged to pursue outcomes that ensure Nigerians can travel and reside abroad with dignity and lawful recognition.
