The House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 22, condemned the recent U.S. government decision to shorten the validity of non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens, calling the move unfair, damaging to bilateral relations, and harmful to millions of law-abiding Nigerians.
Under a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Muhammad Muktar and co-sponsors urged the U.S. to immediately revoke the policy that reduces visa validity from a five-year multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, this House must stand up for ordinary Nigerians whose aspirations to study, work, or reunite with family in the U.S. are now threatened by this unilateral policy shift,” Hon. Muktar stated.
The lawmakers warned that the policy change, effective July 8, 2025, will significantly disrupt business operations, academic pursuits, and family ties, especially within Nigeria’s diaspora community. Muktar emphasized, “This new policy will have serious consequences across many sectors,” and cautioned it could undermine Nigeria’s goal of attracting over $1 billion monthly in remittances through diaspora bonds.
The motion underscored the historic and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States, built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and cooperation in trade, education, and security. It described the timing of the visa policy shift as “deeply troubling,” considering decades of goodwill and joint efforts to advance common goals.
The House also praised Nigerians in the U.S. as one of the most educated and productive immigrant communities, highlighting their contributions to healthcare, technology, academia, arts, and public service, naming prominent figures such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Bennet Omalu, and Uzoma Asagwara.
Lawmakers recalled the role of the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group (NUSPFG), which has actively engaged U.S. officials on concerns regarding security, profiling, and immigration fairness.
In response, the House unanimously resolved to condemn the U.S. policy change, call for its immediate reversal, mandate the Friendship Group to communicate Nigeria’s position to American authorities, direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage diplomatically with the U.S., and encourage continued dialogue between Nigerian and U.S. institutions.
The House appealed to the U.S. to adopt a more balanced visa policy that reflects the realities of the long-standing partnership and reaffirm its commitment to people-to-people diplomacy, especially as Nigeria continues to contribute to regional peace and democratic progress in Africa.
