The Nigerian House of Representatives has condemned the decision by the United States Government to downgrade Nigerian visa status without due consideration of the historical, strategic, and people-centric ties between both nations.
The House also urged the United States Embassy in Nigeria and the US Department of State to rescind the new visa policy and restore the five-year multiple entry visa regime previously granted to Nigerian citizens in the spirit of mutual respect, equity, and reciprocity.
The lawmakers also mandated the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate the position of the House to the US. Congress, the US Department of State, and the US. Embassy in Nigeria, and to intensify bilateral legislative diplomacy for fairer immigration policies.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance on “The Urgent Need For The United States To Review Its Visa Policy In Light Of Nigeria U.S. Strategic Partnership,” sponsored by Mr. Muhammad Muktar, Mr. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Mr. Adefiranye Ayodele Festus, Mr. Atu Chimaobi Sam, and Mr. Akiba Bassey Ekpenyong, at plenary.
While leading the debate on the motion, Mr. Muhammad Muktar encouraged continued dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions to resolve concerns on security, human rights, and policy misperceptions that may hinder shared democratic aspirations and economic progress.
“The House notes with concern the decision by the United States Department of State on July 8, 2025, to shorten Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity from the existing five-year multiple entry visa to a three-month single entry visa.
“Further notes that the imposed three-month single-entry visa will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres, including business constraints, academic disruption, and diaspora and family strain.
“Recalls that this decision comes despite the longstanding, strategic, and historic relationship between Nigeria and the United States. A relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values, robust bilateral cooperation, and people-to-people engagement.
“Recognizes the instrumental role played by the House through the Nigeria United States Parliamentary Friendship Group (NUSPFG) in fostering legislative diplomacy between both countries, and its consistent engagements with US counterparts and institutions in Washington DC, New York, Utah, and other jurisdictions, all in a bid to advance mutual understanding and policy cooperation.
“Aware that during the recent celebration of the United States Independence Day in Abuja, the Chairman Committee of the Nigeria US Parliamentary Friendship Group reaffirmed the deeply rooted friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and the United States.
“Also aware that Nigerians in the United States form one of the most educated and productive immigrant communities, making enormous contributions to American healthcare, technology, academia, arts, entrepreneurship, and public service. Examples include Dr Philip Drum, Dr. Beret Ormalu, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Uzoma Asagwara, among many others,
“Further disturbed that this policy shift undermines decades of goodwill, sacrifices, and bilateral efforts invested by both governments, legislatures, and citizens to promote common democratic goals, fight terrorism, and deepen trade, education, and cultural exchange,” the motion said.
The House thereafter resolved to mandate the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the US Government diplomatically to prevent further erosion of relations and to protect the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.
The lawmaker also urged the House to rise in defense of the ordinary Nigerian whose aspiration to study, work, or reunite with family in the US now stands threatened by a unilateral policy shift that neither reflects the friendship built over the years.
The motion was referred to the committee on foreign affairs for further legislative action.