Tunji-Ojo, US Envoy Discuss Tighter Visa Controls for Nigerians

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, met with Richard Mills, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, in Abuja on Wednesday to discuss the recently revised US visa rules for Nigerian nationals. The meeting was also attended by Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

According to a statement from the ministry, the talks were focused on the new US visa procedures and their implications for Nigerians. Tunji-Ojo described the discussions as constructive, noting that Ambassador Mills provided valuable insight into the updated visa protocols and how they aim to maintain the integrity of the US immigration system.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between the US Mission in Nigeria, the Ministry of Interior, and the NIS. Key areas of focus include promoting compliance with visa rules, encouraging responsible travel practices, and enhancing the security of travel documents by ensuring proper identity verification for all applicants.

The minister emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu to improve oversight in areas such as visa overstay management and information sharing. Measures will be implemented to reduce the number of travellers overstaying their visas, and relevant criminal and security data will be shared between both countries to bolster public safety.

The meeting follows a policy shift announced Tuesday by the US embassy in Nigeria. Under the new rules, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for just three months and limited to a single entry.