The House of Representatives has called on the United States Government to immediately reinstate the five-year multiple entry visa regime for Nigerian citizens, describing the recent reduction to a three-month single entry as detrimental to longstanding diplomatic and strategic relations.
The call was made during plenary on Tuesday, July 23, following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance, co-sponsored by Hon. Muhammad Mukhtar and four other lawmakers. The motion was titled: “Urgent need for the United States to review its visa policy in the light of Nigeria/US strategic partnership.”
Lawmakers Raise Concern Over New Visa Policy
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Mukhtar expressed concern that the July 8, 2025 directive by the U.S. State Department to cut down Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity from five years to three months poses a serious threat to business, education, and family ties.
“The three-month single-entry visa will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres,” Mukhtar stated, citing disruptions to business operations, academic mobility, and family engagements within the Nigerian diaspora.
He added that the decision, if left unchecked, could also affect the country’s monthly diaspora remittances of over $1 billion, which are critical to Nigeria’s economy.
Undermining a Strategic Relationship
The lawmakers lamented that the policy shift contradicts the deep-rooted diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two nations, adding that it erodes decades of mutual cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, democracy promotion, trade, education, and cultural exchange.
“Despite the shared democratic values and bilateral collaboration between our nations, this decision disregards the productive presence of Nigerians in the U.S.,” the motion read.
The House further noted that Nigerians in the U.S. remain one of the most educated and impactful immigrant communities, contributing significantly in sectors like healthcare, technology, arts, academia, and governance.
Diplomatic Engagement Intensifies
The lawmakers recalled the efforts of the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, whose recent engagements in Washington, New York, and Utah focused on improving bilateral understanding and removing barriers posed by negative profiling.
“During their meetings with U.S. Congress members and policy institutions, key concerns were raised over the need to stop blanket visa restrictions and ensure policies reflect fairness and mutual respect,” they added.
House Resolutions
Following deliberation, the House of Representatives resolved to:
Urge the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and the U.S. State Department to reverse the three-month visa policy and reinstate the previous five-year multiple-entry regime.
Mandate the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate the House’s position to the U.S. Congress, U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Direct the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the U.S. government diplomatically to avoid further deterioration in bilateral ties and uphold the dignity and global mobility of Nigerian citizens.
Encourage continued constructive dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions to address concerns around security, human rights, and policy distortions.
The House emphasized that visa policies must reflect the spirit of partnership, equity, and reciprocity, particularly in light of the robust contributions Nigerians make both at home and abroad.
