The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the new visa rules that affect Nigerians are part of larger security efforts and are not meant to target Nigerian citizens specifically.
Mills made these comments on Sunday in Abuja during a press meeting that was part of a visit by a group of U.S. Congress members. He explained that these rules are meant to improve security and make sure that people applying for visas are properly checked.
“The presidential order, which starts on January 1, 2026, is meant to make sure the visa process is safe and accurate, not to punish Nigerians,” the order clearly lists which visa types are affected and also includes exceptions for certain people.These exceptions include those with official or diplomatic passports, and individuals traveling for religious reasons.
He told Nigerians applying for visas to check the official U.S. Embassy website for full details about which visa types are impacted and which groups are exempt.He also encouraged people with questions to reach out through the embassy’s official contact channels for help and more information.
Another speaker at the briefing was U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga, who led the congressional group said visa checks and restrictions are common and standard across the globe. Huizenga said these measures are meant to promote better cooperation and follow-through, not to target any particular country’s citizens.
He mentioned that such visa rules usually focus on government systems and processes and are used in many countries. He emphasized that these steps should not be seen as a direct action against Nigerians but as part of regular international security and immigration practices.