By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The United States’ (US) Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has stated that the visa restrictions announced by the government are not to witch-hunt Nigerians but to strengthening security procedures of the US.
He gave the clarification on the visa restrictions during a news conference on Sunday in Abuja during the visit of a US Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Nigeria.
Mills said the restrictions, which take effect from January 1, 2026, are part of measures to secure U.S. borders and protect 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 stated.
The ambassador outlined exemptions for certain groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious work.
Speaking further, he advised applicants to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for detailed information on the proclamation, affected visa categories and available exemptions.
The ambassador further urged those with specific enquiries to use the designated communication channels provided by the embassy for further guidance.