The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has moved to clarify the intent behind recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government, stating they are not designed to penalise Nigerian citizens.
Security, Not Sanctions: The Ambassador's Assurance
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, December 21, Ambassador Mills emphasised that the measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen U.S. border security and protect American communities. The presidential proclamation, signed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, will take effect from January 1, 2026.
"The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians," Mills stated clearly. He explained that Nigeria is among 15 countries facing new partial entry restrictions due to what the White House described as persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing protocols.
Exemptions and Affected Categories
The ambassador provided crucial details on who will and will not be impacted by the new rules. He outlined specific exemptions, which include:
- Holders of official and diplomatic passports.
- Individuals travelling to the United States for religious work.
Mills urged all visa applicants and the general public to consult the official website of the U.S. Embassy for comprehensive information. The site will contain full details on the proclamation, the specific visa categories affected, and the complete list of exemptions.
Next Steps for Nigerian Travellers
The ambassador's clarification aims to address concerns within Nigeria, a major travel market for the United States. While the new rules are framed as a national security necessity for the U.S., the diplomatic outreach seeks to mitigate perceptions of targeted exclusion.
The key takeaway for Nigerian nationals is that the proclamation targets systemic security procedures, not the Nigerian people. With the effective date set for 2026, there is a significant lead time for both governments and potential travellers to understand and adapt to the updated requirements.
