The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are not aimed at penalising Nigerians but are part of efforts to enhance security and strengthen border control measures.
Ambassador Mills made the clarification on Sunday, December 21, while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja. He explained that the presidential proclamation, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, affects only specific visa categories and is intended to improve vetting procedures.
According to him, the policy is focused on ensuring credible information and proper screening within the visa application process, rather than targeting citizens of any particular country.
“The focus of the visa review is on strengthening security procedures and ensuring effective vetting, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.
He noted that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be impacted, as well as exemptions for certain groups. Those exempted include holders of official and diplomatic passports, along with individuals travelling to the United States for religious purposes.
The ambassador advised prospective applicants and the general public to visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy for comprehensive details on the proclamation, affected visa categories, and applicable exemptions.
Recall that U.S. President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation expanding entry restrictions for nationals of countries classified as high risk, citing persistent shortcomings in screening, vetting, and information sharing that pose national security and public safety concerns.
Nigeria is among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions under the new policy.
