The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the recent visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians are part of broader security protocols and not targeted actions against Nigerian citizens.
Mills spoke on Sunday in Abuja during a press briefing held as part of the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation.
According to the ambassador, the measures are designed to strengthen security procedures and ensure thorough vetting of visa applicants.
“The presidential proclamation, effective January 1, 2026, affecting certain visa categories, is aimed at ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.
Mills explained that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected and also provides exemptions for certain groups.
These include holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.
The ambassador advised Nigerians seeking visas to consult the official website of the United States Embassy for detailed information on the affected visa categories and applicable exemptions.
He also encouraged applicants with specific concerns to use the embassy’s designated communication channels for clarification and guidance.
Also speaking at the briefing, U.S. Congressman and leader of the delegation, Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions are standard global practices.
Huizenga noted that such measures are intended to encourage compliance and cooperation, rather than punish citizens of any particular country.
According to him, visa restrictions often focus on government systems and administrative processes and are routinely applied in different countries around the world.
He stressed that the measures should not be interpreted as actions directed specifically at Nigerians but as part of normal international security and immigration procedures.
