Tinubu Didn’t Suspend Five-Year US Visas for Citizens – Presidency Clarifies

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• Presidency denies claims of halting multiple-entry visas for Americans
• Onanuga says five-year US visa policy remains under bilateral agreement
• FG pledges continued engagement with Washington over new visa rules

The Presidency has dismissed reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for United States citizens.

Presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as misinformation, insisting that Nigeria continues to grant US citizens five-year non-immigrant visas in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.

“President Bola Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens,” Mr Onanuga stated in Abuja on Thursday. “This policy remains intact under our agreements with the United States.”

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His clarification comes after Washington announced adjustments to its visa rules for Nigerians, reducing validity periods and entry allowances for most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas.

Mr Onanuga explained that the Tinubu administration had issued directives to all federal agencies to uphold international agreements and maintain reciprocal diplomatic policies.

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He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaging US officials to address “unfavourable restrictions” imposed on Nigerian citizens in a manner reflecting mutual respect between both nations.

While Nigeria has adopted an e-visa system for short-term visits, the US has yet to reciprocate this gesture. The e-visa, which replaces visa-on-arrival, is part of Tinubu’s reforms to ease business, investment, and tourism.

“The Tinubu administration will continue diplomatic dialogue with US authorities to resolve these issues and strengthen relations between our two countries,” Onanuga said.