President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refuted claims that his administration has banned the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas for United States non-immigrant visitors.

 

This clarification follows recent confusion over adjustments to the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy affecting Nigerian applicants.

 

In a statement released on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency described the circulating reports as “misinformation and fake news.”

 

“Contrary to misinformation circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to US citizens,” the statement read. “This is in line with existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity.”

 

Onanuga explained that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu issued a directive for Nigeria to uphold all bilateral agreements and maintain reciprocity in diplomatic engagements.

 

He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already addressed concerns surrounding the recent US policy changes and was actively engaging with American officials to ensure fairness and mutual respect.

 

Reacting to the United States’ justification of its current visa policy on the grounds of reciprocity, the presidency insisted this claim does not reflect reality.

 

“Nigeria continues to grant five-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visas to US citizens, just as the US maintains the same for Nigerians,” the statement added.

 

Onanuga clarified that the 90-day single-entry visa currently being discussed only applies to Nigeria’s new e-Visa category, designed for tourists and short-term business travelers. This category was introduced to replace the outdated visa-on-arrival system, which was often marred by inefficiency and extortion.

 

According to him, the e-Visa is an entirely digital process that delivers approval within 48 hours, without requiring applicants to visit an embassy.

 

He emphasized that the e-Visa policy is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to boost foreign investment, tourism, and ease of doing business in Nigeria. “This aligns with global trends, as dozens of countries have adopted similar systems.”

 

However, he noted that while Nigeria now offers e-Visas to US citizens and others, the United States has yet to extend similar privileges to Nigerians.

 

“The Tinubu administration remains committed to fostering cooperation and dialogue with the US government to resolve any visa-related concerns and preserve the longstanding partnership between both nations,” the statement concluded.