The House of Representatives has called on the United States government to reverse its recent decision to limit non-immigrant visas for Nigerians from five years to just three months.
This resolution was passed during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Muhammad Mukhtar and four other lawmakers. The motion cited the longstanding strategic relationship between both nations and the significant impact the visa reduction could have on Nigerians.
“The shortened visa validity will disrupt business activities, academic plans, and family ties,” Mukhtar said, warning that monthly diaspora remittances, estimated at over $1 billion, could also be affected.
Lawmakers argued that Nigerians in the U.S. have consistently contributed to the country’s development across healthcare, technology, education, and the arts. They also pointed to ongoing legislative diplomacy through the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, which has actively engaged U.S. lawmakers and institutions on bilateral cooperation and mutual policy understanding.
The House urged the U.S. Embassy and the State Department to restore the five-year multiple-entry visa regime, stressing the need for fairness and reciprocity. It also tasked the Foreign Affairs Ministry to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.
The parliamentary friendship group has been mandated to formally communicate Nigeria’s position to relevant U.S. stakeholders and continue dialogue aimed at resolving bilateral concerns.
