US Reiterates Visa Ban for Corrupt Nigerians

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption globally, warning that individuals involved in corrupt practices, no matter how highly placed, risk being barred from entering the U.S.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the Mission stressed: “Fighting corruption knows no borders or limits on accountability. Even when high-profile individuals engage in corruption, they can be barred from receiving U.S. visas.”

This reiteration follows earlier measures taken by Washington to restrict visas for certain Nigerians accused of undermining the country’s democratic process. In May 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that visa restrictions had been imposed on unnamed individuals who disrupted Nigeria’s general elections.

According to the State Department, the move reflects America’s broader policy of supporting democracy and accountability worldwide, while discouraging electoral malpractice and official corruption in partner nations.

The latest reminder from the U.S. Mission underscores that accountability applies across all levels of leadership and that corruption remains a key trigger for travel sanctions.