The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday jointly addressed recent changes to US visa regulations, calling on Nigerian citizens to remain informed and ensure full compliance with the new requirements.
During a press briefing held in Abuja, both officials highlighted the importance of fostering mutual understanding between the two countries, particularly in the area of travel and immigration policies. Ambassador Mills explained that the revised visa protocols introduced by the United States government are aimed at improving processing transparency, streamlining documentation, and curbing misuse of the visa system, while still maintaining access for genuine travellers.
He further emphasized that the United States remains open to Nigerians, describing the bilateral relationship between both countries as “strong, strategic, and people-focused.” However, he noted that adherence to updated guidelines is essential to preserving the integrity of the visa system and ensuring that eligible applicants are not disadvantaged by the actions of a few who attempt to exploit it.
Minister Idris, in his remarks, affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the US Embassy to disseminate accurate information to the public. He stressed the need for prospective visa applicants to avoid unofficial channels and instead rely on verified sources for updates, including the US Embassy’s official platforms and Nigeria’s Ministry of Information.
According to the minister, a significant number of visa denials are linked to misinformation, submission of fraudulent documents, or non-compliance with stated requirements, issues that can be addressed through increased public awareness and responsible communication.
Both officials encouraged Nigerians intending to travel to the United States, whether for study, tourism, business, or family visits, to ensure their applications are honest, complete, and timely. They also warned against patronizing unregistered agents or falsifying documents, noting that such actions not only result in denials but can also attract long-term bans.
This engagement comes at a time when US consular offices around the world, including Nigeria, are seeing a surge in applications, especially in the student and tourism categories. The United States continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for Nigerian travellers, with thousands visiting annually for academic, medical, and professional purposes.
The US Embassy and Nigeria’s Ministry of Information have pledged to continue working together to educate the public, reduce avoidable visa complications, and uphold the long-standing ties that exist between the two nations.