US Envoy Clarifies New Visa Restrictions on Nigerians

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the newly announced visa restrictions by the US government are not punitive measures targeted at the Nigerian people but are designed to strengthen security procedures.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, Mills addressed concerns regarding the upcoming restrictions, which stem from a presidential proclamation set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The Ambassador explained that the policy is part of a broader effort to secure US borders and protect American communities by ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa application process.

“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills stated.

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Mills noted that the proclamation clearly outlines the specific visa categories affected and provides exemptions for certain groups.

Among those exempted are holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious work.

He urged applicants to consult the US Embassy’s official website for detailed information to understand how the new rules might apply to them.

Also present at the conference was Rep. Bill Huizenga, Leader of the visiting US Congressional Delegation (CODEL). Huizenga reinforced the Ambassador’s point, describing the visa review as a “routine tool” used globally to encourage compliance and cooperation between government systems.

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“The focus of such measures was primarily on government systems and processes, not on the Nigerian people,” Huizenga said.

The clarification follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025, which expanded entry restrictions on foreign nationals from 24 countries.

The administration cited “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” as the reason for the move, arguing that these gaps threaten US national security.

Despite the restrictions, the US government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong people-to-people ties with Nigeria.