Soyinka Claims He Saw US Visa Purge Coming for Nigerians

A Nobel-winning writer has said he warned long ago that America might strip away travel papers and residency cards from many Nigerians over rows about faith rights.

Wole Soyinka told reporters in Lagos on Thursday that he flagged this risk years back, when talks first heated up between the two countries. He tied it to claims of harm against Christians in Nigeria, which have now sparked threats from US bosses to hit back hard.

The author, who knows the White House well from his own stays there, called the fresh moves a sad but expected turn. He urged calm heads and straight talk to sort the mess, without letting old grudges wreck ties that help trade and safety.

Soyinka’s words come as Nigeria’s leaders push back against US labels of the country as a hot spot for religious wrongs. They say the fights stem from rebel gangs, not aimed hate, and point to wins in curbing attacks on all groups.

Watchers fear the visa clamp could hurt students, workers, and families who rely on US links for school, jobs, and visits. Soyinka hoped both sides would chat openly to dodge bigger rifts.