Abuja – The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, don explain why dem introduce new visa restrictions wey go start January 1, 2026, stressing say na security reason, no be to punish Nigerians.
Mills talk say the measure dey part of broader security protocols wey go make sure say visa applicants dey properly vetted. E yan dis one on Sunday during press briefing for Abuja, as U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL) dey visit Nigeria.
“The presidential proclamation wey go start January 1, 2026, wey go affect some visa categories, na to ensure proper vetting and credible information for visa process, e no be to punish Nigerians,” Mills talk.
E add say the proclamation show the visa categories wey the measure go affect, but e still give exemptions for some people, like holders of official and diplomatic passports, and those wey dey travel for religious purposes.
The Ambassador advise people wey wan apply for visa make dem dey check the U.S. Embassy official website for full information on the proclamation, the visa categories wey e go affect, and exemptions wey dey available. E also encourage anybody wey get specific question make dem use embassy channels for guidance.
Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga, wey dey lead the CODEL delegation, talk say visa review and restriction na normal procedure wey dey happen around the world. E stress say the measures dey focus on government systems and processes, no be punishment against citizens.
