The House of Representatives has called on the United States government to reverse its recent decision to reduce the validity of Nigerian non-immigrant visas from five years to three months, urging a restoration of the previous multiple-entry five-year regime.

 

The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, sponsored by Hon. Muhammad Mukhtar and four other lawmakers, during plenary.

 

The motion, titled “Urgent Need for the United States to Review its Visa Policy in Light of Nigeria-U.S. Strategic Partnership,” expressed deep concern over the policy shift, describing it as a threat to longstanding bilateral relations and people-to-people exchanges.

 

Speaking on behalf of his co-sponsors, Hon. Mukhtar said the U.S. Department of State’s July 8, 2025, decision to shorten visa validity would create adverse ripple effects across key sectors.

 

> “The House notes with concern the decision to reduce Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity from five years multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry visa,” Mukhtar said.

 

“This move will have serious consequences — disrupting business transactions, academic programs, and causing undue strain on diaspora families and travel logistics.”

 

 

 

He emphasized that the change undermines Nigeria’s economic goals, particularly in terms of diaspora remittances, which contribute over $1 billion monthly to the national economy through diaspora bonds.

 

The lawmakers further argued that the policy contradicts the historically strong relationship between Nigeria and the United States — a partnership built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, security cooperation, and economic ties.

 

“Despite our strategic and historic bilateral relationship, this decision was made unilaterally and risks damaging trust and cooperation,” the motion stated.

 

 

 

The House resolved to formally engage the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to initiate diplomatic dialogue aimed at reversing the policy.