The House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 22, condemned the recent decision by the United States government to shorten the validity of non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens, describing the move as 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 called on the U.S. government to immediately rescind 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 rise in defense of the ordinary Nigerian whose aspiration to study, work, or reunite with family in the U.S. now stands threatened by a unilateral policy shift,” Hon. Muktar declared.
The lawmakers warned that the policy change, effective July 8, 2025, will severely impact business operations, academic pursuits, and family connections, particularly among Nigeria’s diaspora community. Muktar added, “This new policy will inflict significant consequences across multiple spheres,” and cautioned it could undermine Nigeria’s goal of attracting over $1 billion in monthly remittances through diaspora bonds.
The motion highlighted 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 change as “deeply disturbing,” given decades of goodwill and bilateral efforts to promote common goals.
The House praised Nigerians in the U.S. as one of the most educated and productive immigrant communities, citing contributions to healthcare, technology, academia, arts, and public service, naming 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 engaged U.S. officials to address concerns around security, profiling, and immigration fairness.
In response, the House unanimously resolved to condemn the U.S. decision, urge the rescission of the new visa policy, mandate the Friendship Group to communicate Nigeria’s position to U.S. authorities, direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to diplomatically engage the U.S., and encourage ongoing dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions.
The House called on the U.S. to adopt a more nuanced policy reflecting the realities of the long-standing cooperation and reaffirm its commitment to people-to-people diplomacy, especially as Nigeria continues to contribute to regional peace and democratic consolidation in Africa.
