U.S. Visa Restrictions Not Targeting Nigerians, Aim to Address Security Concerns – Ambassador

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has said the newly announced U.S. visa restrictions are intended to enhance security procedures and address mutual security concerns, not to single out Nigerians.

Mills made the clarification on Sunday in Abuja at a news conference held during the visit of a U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Nigeria.

He explained that the presidential proclamation, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, would affect specific visa categories as part of broader efforts to secure U.S. borders and safeguard American communities.

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

According to the ambassador, the proclamation clearly outlines which visa categories may be affected and also provides exemptions for certain groups. These exemptions include holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.

Mills advised visa applicants and the general public to consult the official U.S. Embassy website for comprehensive details on the proclamation, affected visa categories, and applicable exemptions. He also encouraged those with specific questions to use the embassy’s designated communication channels for further clarification.

Also speaking, the leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation, Rep. Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions were standard policy tools used to promote compliance and cooperation, rather than punitive measures against citizens.

Huizenga noted that such reviews primarily focus on government systems and processes, not the Nigerian people, adding that similar measures are routinely applied in other countries around the world.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining strong people-to-people relations with Nigeria, describing the visa reviews and restrictions as part of broader engagement to strengthen bilateral cooperation while addressing shared security concerns.

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