LIVE UPDATES
The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the U.S. government to reinstate the five-year multiple visa option, which was recently changed to a three-month validity by President Donald Trump's administration.
This resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Muhammad Mukhtar and several other members during the plenary session. Titled “Motion on the urgent need for the United States to review its visa policy in light of Nigeria/US strategic partnership,” the lawmakers called for a unified demand to reverse the recent policy change.
Mukhtar expressed concern over the U.S. Department of State's decision on July 8, 2025, to reduce the validity of Nigerian non-immigrant visas from five years to a three-month single-entry visa, stating that this reduction could have severe impacts on various areas, including business operations, academic stability, and family connections for the diaspora.
He highlighted that Nigeria anticipates $1 billion in remittances via diaspora bonds, a goal that could be jeopardized by complicated or uncertain travel conditions.
The sponsors of the motion emphasized that this visa decision was made despite the long-standing, strategic, and historic ties between Nigeria and the U.S., based on mutual respect, shared democratic ideals, and strong bilateral cooperation.
They acknowledged the essential role of the Nigeria United States Parliamentary Friendship Group in enhancing legislative diplomacy between the two nations, citing engagements with U.S. counterparts in various states.
The lawmakers also pointed out that during the U.S. Independence Day celebrations in Abuja, the Chairman of the Nigeria US Parliamentary Friendship Group reiterated the deep-rooted friendship and historical connections between the two countries.
They noted that Nigerians in the U.S. constitute a well-educated and productive immigrant community that significantly contributes to various sectors in America, including healthcare, technology, and the arts. However, they argued that the policy shift undermines years of goodwill and collaborative efforts aimed at promoting common democratic objectives, combating terrorism, and reinforcing trade, education, and cultural exchanges.
During a recent visit by the Nigeria/US Parliamentary Friendship Group to the U.S., discussions were held with members of Congress and U.S. State Department officials to address Nigeria’s security issues and eliminate unfair restrictions affecting over 200 million law-abiding Nigerians due to the actions of non-state actors.
After adopting the motion, the House called on the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria and the State Department to reverse the new visa policy and restore the original five-year multiple entry visas.
They also empowered the Nigeria United States Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate their position to U.S. Congress representatives, the State Department, and the embassy while enhancing bilateral legislative efforts.
Additionally, they instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to diplomatically engage with the U.S. government to maintain relations and uphold the rights and mobility of Nigerian citizens, encouraging ongoing dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions to address security, human rights, and policy misunderstandings that could hinder democratic and economic advancement.
