The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has explained the reason behind the recent visa restrictions affecting Nigerians, stressing that the measures are part of broader security procedures and not targeted actions against Nigerian citizens.
Mills spoke on Sunday in Abuja during a press briefing held alongside the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation, CODEL. He said the restrictions are designed to strengthen security checks and ensure proper screening of visa applicants.
“The presidential proclamation, effective January 1, 2026, affecting certain visa categories, is aimed at ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.
He explained that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected and also provides exemptions for specific groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.
The ambassador advised Nigerians seeking visas to visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy for full details on the proclamation, the affected categories, and the exemptions available.
He further urged applicants with specific concerns to use the embassy’s official communication channels for accurate guidance.
Also speaking at the briefing, U.S. Congressman and head of the delegation, Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions are routine measures aimed at promoting compliance and cooperation, rather than punishing citizens.
Huizenga noted that such actions are largely directed at government systems and processes and are commonly applied in various countries around the world.
