The Federal Government has said it is engaging the United States through diplomatic channels to secure Nigeria’s removal from the list of countries affected by Washington’s recent immigrant visa restrictions.
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The United States announced on January 14 an immigrant visa pause affecting 75 countries, including Nigeria. The measure, which took effect on January 21, 2026, has raised concerns among Nigerians seeking permanent residence and employment opportunities in the United States.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH via a chat, the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that visa issuance remains the exclusive prerogative of sovereign states but assured that Nigeria was actively pursuing dialogue to resolve the issue.
“For visa issuance, it is strictly the prerogative of the issuing country, and we cannot do much because you cannot force a country to grant access to your nationals,” Ebienfa said.
He noted that Nigeria was not the only country affected by the US action and urged Nigerians to remain calm as diplomatic engagements continue.
“Moreover, Nigeria is not the only country affected by the visa restrictions. However, we are engaging them via diplomatic channels, and we are convinced that there will be a win-win situation,” he added.
Ebienfa stressed that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians abroad and to strengthening bilateral relations with the United States. He disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working closely with relevant US authorities to address the concerns that led to the visa pause, expressing optimism that Nigeria would be delisted once the issues are resolved.
Meanwhile, the United States Mission in Nigeria has announced a temporary suspension of regular updates on its official X account due to a lapse in US government appropriations.
The Mission disclosed this in a statement posted yesterday on its verified X handle, @USinNigeria, noting that the account would only be used to share urgent safety and security information until full operations resume.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, except for urgent safety and security information,” the statement read.
Despite the funding challenges, the US Mission assured the public that scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at US embassies and consulates overseas would continue as the situation permits.
“At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at US Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits,” it stated.
The Mission added that further updates would be provided once full operations resume and advised members of the public seeking information on services and operating status to visit the official US travel website.
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