Onoh Slams US Travel Advisory as Politically Motivated, Warns of Diplomatic Fallout
Denge Josef Onoh, a former South-East spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, has strongly criticized the latest United States travel advisory on Nigeria, labeling it as "ill-timed" and "politically motivated." In a statement released to journalists in Abuja, Onoh warned that this advisory could significantly strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, potentially undermining bilateral ties and discouraging foreign investment.
Details of the US Travel Advisory
The advisory, issued by the United States Department of State on April 8, 2026, retains Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and inconsistent healthcare. Additionally, it expanded the Level 4: Do Not Travel list to include Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states, bringing the total number of restricted states to 23. The advisory also authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and their families from the Abuja embassy, pointing to a "deteriorating security situation." Onoh acknowledged Nigeria's security challenges, noting that insurgent groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province operate in the North-East, while banditry and kidnappings affect parts of the North-West and North-Central regions. He emphasized that "these threats are real and demand vigilance, particularly outside major urban centers."
Onoh's Critique of the Advisory's Scope
However, Onoh argued that the advisory's "broad framing and recent expansions warrant a measured response," insisting that security risks in Nigeria are largely regional rather than nationwide. He maintained that major commercial hubs such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt continue to host international businesses and expatriates, adding that "the advisory's wide brush risks overstating dangers for prepared travelers who use vetted transport, private security, and local intelligence." Onoh highlighted that the Tinubu administration is actively addressing insecurity, with the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦58.18 trillion allocating ₦5.41 trillion—the largest share—to defence and internal security. According to him, "Nigerian security forces continue operations that disrupt insurgent and bandit networks."
Comparisons and Economic Context
Drawing comparisons, Onoh noted that countries like Mexico and South Africa, which also face security concerns, have not been subjected to similarly expansive advisories. "Nigeria's treatment, with 23 states flagged, appears disproportionately broad given ongoing commercial activity and diplomacy in non-affected zones," he said. On the economy, Onoh pointed to reforms under President Tinubu, stating that Nigeria recorded 3.98 per cent GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, while inflation declined for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent by November 2025. He added that foreign reserves strengthened to between $44 billion and $47 billion, alongside a trade surplus. "These gains address root causes of insecurity such as poverty and unemployment while supporting long-term stability," he explained.
Call for Targeted Approach and Collaboration
Summarizing his position, Onoh said the advisory "correctly flags genuine risks that require caution, especially in high-threat zones," but argued that "its tone, the partial staff departure authorization, and nationwide 'reconsider' framing can appear overly punitive, politically motivated and insufficiently nuanced." He urged the US to adopt a more targeted and collaborative approach, suggesting "granular, metrics-based regional advisories" limited to high-risk areas, while downgrading cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt to Level 2. "Even my home state, Enugu, can boldly be said to be among the safest in the South-East, yet it was included," he stated. Onoh also called for expanded security cooperation, including intelligence sharing, training, and technology transfer to tackle terrorism and banditry. "If the advisory was not politically motivated, the US government would have strengthened security cooperation with Nigeria and promoted economic engagement in secure corridors," he concluded.
