The Nigerian House of Representatives has strongly condemned the US government’s decision to downgrade Nigerian visa status. The lawmakers believe this move disregards the historical, strategic, and people-centric ties between both nations.
The House has urged the US Embassy in Nigeria and the US Department of State to rescind the new visa policy and restore the five-year multiple entry visa regime. “The imposed three-month single entry visa will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres, including business constraints, academic disruption, and diaspora and family strain,” said Hon. Muhammad Muktar.
The lawmakers noted that the decision comes despite the longstanding, strategic, and historic relationship between Nigeria and the US. They believe this relationship is grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values, and robust bilateral cooperation.
The House recognized the significant contributions of Nigerians in the US to various fields, including healthcare, technology, academia, and entrepreneurship. They expressed concern that the new policy will unfairly punish law-abiding Nigerian citizens.
The lawmakers mandated the Nigeria-US Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate the House’s position to the US Congress, the US Department of State, and the US Embassy in Nigeria. They also urged the group to intensify bilateral legislative diplomacy for fairer immigration policies.
The House resolved to mandate the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the US government diplomatically to prevent further erosion of relations and protect the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.
The lawmakers urged the House to rise in defense of ordinary Nigerians whose aspirations to study, work, or reunite with family in the US are now threatened by the unilateral policy shift.
The motion was referred to the committee on foreign affairs for further legislative action. The House remains committed to finding a solution to this issue and ensuring that the rights of Nigerian citizens are protected.
