The Presidency has denied claims that President Bola Tinubu stopped the issuing of five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens.
Special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, described such reports as fake news and misinformation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity,” he said.
Mr Onanuga explained that as soon as the president assumed office, his administration directed that all existing agreements with other countries be respected. Nigeria, he said, remains committed to treating other nations fairly and in line with mutual understanding.
He also noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already stated Nigeria’s position on the recent changes in US visa rules for Nigerians. Senior officials, he added, are in ongoing talks with the US to resolve the matter in a way that reflects the partnership between both countries.
Onanuga clarified that Nigeria continues to issue five-year visas to US citizens and has not changed its visa policy towards the United States.
He said the new 90-day visa being discussed applies only to e-visas, which are short-term permits mainly for tourists and business travellers who prefer a quick online process.
The e-visa, he added, was introduced to replace the now scrapped visa-on-arrival, which had become inefficient and was open to abuse. With the e-visa, applicants receive their visas within 48 hours and do not need to visit an embassy.
According to him, this new system is part of President Tinubu’s broader plan to improve ease of doing business, boost tourism, and attract investment into Nigeria.
He noted that while Nigeria offers e-visas to US citizens and others, the US has yet to extend the same arrangement to Nigerians.
“The Tinubu-led administration will continue to engage with US authorities to resolve any issues that have led to the recent developments,” Onanuga assured.
He stressed that Nigeria remains committed to a friendly and fair relationship with the United States, rooted in cooperation and mutual respect.