On Tuesday, July 22, the House of Representatives strongly criticized the recent decision by the United States government to shorten the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens, labeling the move as unjust, harmful to diplomatic relations, and detrimental to millions of law-abiding Nigerians.
Raising the matter under a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Muhammad Muktar and co-sponsors urged the U.S. to reverse its decision, which reduces visa validity from a five-year multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, this House must stand in defense of the average Nigerian whose dreams of studying, working, or reuniting with family in the U.S. are now under threat due to this unilateral policy change,” Muktar said.
Lawmakers warned that the new policy—set to take effect from July 8, 2025—could negatively impact business operations, academic ambitions, and family ties, especially within Nigeria’s diaspora. Muktar stressed that the decision could hinder Nigeria’s broader economic goals, including efforts to attract over $1 billion in monthly diaspora remittances through diaspora bonds.
The motion underscored the historically strong and strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United States, built on mutual democratic values, economic cooperation, education, and security. Lawmakers expressed concern over the timing of the policy shift, calling it "deeply troubling" given longstanding goodwill and shared interests.
Commending the Nigerian diaspora in the U.S. as one of the most accomplished and productive immigrant communities, the House highlighted their contributions across sectors such as healthcare, technology, academia, and the arts. Notable figures mentioned include author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, and Canadian official Uzoma Asagwara.
The House also referenced the efforts of the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group (NUSPFG), which has previously engaged U.S. authorities on issues of security, profiling, and fair immigration practices.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously resolved to:
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Condemn the U.S. visa policy revision,
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Call for its immediate reversal,
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Direct the Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally convey Nigeria’s concerns to U.S. officials,
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Task the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with initiating diplomatic engagement, and
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Encourage continued institutional dialogue between both nations.
The House further appealed to the U.S. to adopt a more balanced approach that reflects the depth of U.S.-Nigeria relations and reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people diplomacy, particularly as Nigeria continues to play a stabilizing role in African democracy and regional peace.
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