The Federal Government has responded to the recent visa restrictions imposed by the United States, denying claims that it had stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to American citizens—a decision the US said triggered its own changes.
In a fresh round of immigration policy changes, the US announced a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” targeting non-immigrant visa categories like tourism, student, and work visas. This new rule is expected to take effect in 2026 and is part of wider efforts by the US government to enforce visa rules and immigration laws.
The Nigerian government, however, insists it has not altered its visa policy for Americans. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the claim of reciprocity used by the US government as justification for its new policy does not reflect the facts on the ground.
He noted, “Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implements all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.”
Mr. Onanuga stressed that Nigeria continues to offer US citizens a five-year, multiple-entry visa just as the US does for Nigerians.
He explained that the new 90-day single-entry visa applies only to the e-visa category introduced recently. This new visa process, he said, replaces the previous visa-on-arrival system, which had issues with delays and misuse. The e-visa, now fully online, is issued within 48 hours and is aimed at easing short-term travel for tourism and business.
The adviser also pointed out that while Nigeria has opened up its e-visa system to citizens of the US and other countries, the US has not done the same for Nigerians.
“In the spirit of cooperation, mutual understanding, and partnership that have characterised the relationship between Nigeria and the United States over the decades, the Tinubu-led administration will continue to dialogue and engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” he added.
As part of the new law signed by former President Donald Trump on July 4 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the $250 Visa Integrity Fee joins other new charges. These include a $24 I-94 fee, a $13 ESTA fee for travelers from visa waiver countries, and a $30 EVUS fee for Chinese nationals with 10-year visas.
The surcharge will affect visa types like B-1/B-2 (business/tourist), F and M (students), H-1B (skilled workers), and J (exchange visitors). Only diplomats in A and G visa categories will be exempted. The law also makes clear that these fees cannot be waived or reduced and will increase yearly based on inflation starting in 2026.
Meanwhile, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, a former Delta State governorship aspirant and CEO of DAS Energy Services, backed the US decision. He noted it should push African leaders to fix their countries instead of watching citizens rush abroad.
“If Nigeria’s medical sector is working, do Nigerians need to go to the US for treatment? If there are great hospitals in all 36 states and the FCT, who would want to leave the country for medical care?” he asked.
Onuesoke further stated that Nigeria has enough natural resources and opportunities for citizens to thrive.
“We have so much in Nigeria, natural resources, tourism attractions, business opportunities, yet everyone is desperate to leave. The Japa syndrome will not end until we create a country thatworks,” he said.
