Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that he and others had a meeting with the United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, over recent visa requirements between both countries.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed this in a statement on his X account on Monday.
The meeting comes after the US Embassy in Nigeria tightened its visa requirements for Nigerians, which indicates that most non-immigrant visas (such as tourist and business visas) will now be single-entry and valid for just three months.
In his comment after the meeting, Tunji-Ojo said, “I held a constructive meeting with the US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.
“The meeting, attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.
“The discussions centred on visa reciprocity, with Ambassador Mills Jr. providing valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.
“The Ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country.
“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasising adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.
“Our government under the leadership of President @officialABAT Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including:
“1. Secure travel documents: Ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.
“2. Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas.
“3. Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety,” he wrote on X.
