US Visa Restrictions Not to Penalise Nigerians — US Ambassador Richard Mills

The United States has clarified that its newly announced visa restrictions are not intended to penalise Nigerians but are part of broader efforts to strengthen border security and immigration vetting processes.

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, gave the assurance on Sunday in Abuja while addressing journalists during the visit of a United States Congressional Delegation to Nigeria. He explained that the measures are driven by security considerations and are not targeted at any specific country or people.

Mills said the presidential proclamation, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, affects selected visa categories and is aimed at improving screening procedures, ensuring credible information, and strengthening information-sharing within the U.S. visa system.

He stressed that Nigeria is not being singled out, noting that similar visa reviews and restrictions are routinely applied in different parts of the world as part of the United States’ global immigration and security framework.

According to the ambassador, the proclamation clearly outlines exemptions, including holders of diplomatic and official passports, as well as individuals travelling to the United States for religious assignments.

Mills advised visa applicants and members of the public to consult the official U.S. Embassy website for accurate and up-to-date information on affected visa categories and exemptions. He also urged those with specific enquiries to use the embassy’s designated communication channels for clarification.

Also speaking at the briefing, leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation, Representative Bill Huizenga, described visa reviews as routine policy tools used to encourage compliance and cooperation between governments rather than punitive actions against citizens.

Huizenga emphasised that such measures are focused mainly on government systems and processes, not on ordinary people, adding that the United States remains committed to maintaining strong people-to-people ties and sustained engagement with Nigeria despite the visa adjustments.