The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has explained the reasons behind the recent visa restrictions affecting Nigerians, stressing that the measures are part of standard security procedures and not directed at punishing Nigerian citizens.
Mills spoke on Sunday in Abuja at a press briefing held during the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation (CODEL). He said the restrictions were introduced to strengthen security protocols and ensure more rigorous screening of visa applicants.
According to him, the presidential proclamation, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, applies to specific visa categories and is designed to guarantee credible information and proper vetting in the visa application process.
“The proclamation is not about penalizing Nigerians but about ensuring that visa processes are secure and reliable,” Mills stated.
He added that the policy clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected and provides exemptions for certain groups, including holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.
The ambassador urged visa applicants and members of the public to visit the official U.S. Embassy website for detailed information on the proclamation, affected visa categories, and exemptions. He also advised those seeking clarification to make use of the embassy’s official communication channels.
Also speaking at the briefing, U.S. Congressman and head of the delegation Bill Huizenga said visa reviews and restrictions are routine global practices aimed at promoting cooperation and compliance, rather than targeting citizens.
Huizenga noted that such measures usually focus on improving government systems and processes and are commonly applied in various countries around the world.
