The recent U.S. visa policy change, reducing Nigerians’ visa validity from five years to three months, has raised serious concerns among Nigerian entrepreneurs, students, and frequent travelers. The new single-entry visa rule, which took effect on July 8, 2025, has been described by experts as a major blow to Nigeria’s economic growth, tech innovation, and educational exchange with the United States.
In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Joe Keshi, Nigeria’s former top diplomat to the United States, expressed deep concern over the policy shift, warning that it would lead to higher costs for Nigerian travelers, increased bureaucracy, and possible corruption in the visa process.
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“This is more trouble for Nigeria’s businesses, tech innovators, and students. Having to renew a U.S. visa every three months is financially draining and logistically difficult,” Keshi stated.
Though the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria initially attributed the change to reciprocity, it later clarified that the decision is part of a global visa review focused on technical and security benchmarks aimed at protecting the U.S. immigration system.
The President of Nigeria and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has challenged the rationale behind the U.S. decision. Tuggar pointed to pressure on Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees, a claim the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has since denied.
Keshi noted that this situation could fuel capital flight and corruption, stating that “no embassy in Nigeria is free from corruption in visa processing. The new visa rule will only make matters worse.”
Key Impacts of the New Visa Rule
Increased Travel Costs: Nigerians will have to reapply and pay every three months.
Disruption for Businesses: Frequent travelers and entrepreneurs may miss vital business meetings due to lengthy visa processing times.
Tech and Academic Setbacks: Nigerian tech innovators and students seeking programs or conferences in the U.S. may face delays or miss out on opportunities.
Worsening Diplomatic Relations: The policy change is seen as a sign of strained U.S.-Nigeria relations.
What Can Nigeria Do?
Keshi advised the Nigerian government to build stronger diplomatic ties with the U.S. rather than relying on claims of a “strategic relationship” that currently holds little weight.
- “Compared to Egypt or Israel, Nigeria’s strategic importance to the U.S. is minimal. We must negotiate directly and rebuild trust,” he said.
- He further stressed the need to diversify Nigeria’s foreign partnerships, especially with countries like India, China, South Korea, and Japan, which already have a growing business presence in Nigeria.
Time for Policy Review
Keshi also urged the Federal Government to review visa agreements with countries like the UK, noting that Nigerians pay exorbitant fees to obtain visas with little reciprocity in return.
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“Calculate how much is earned yearly from 20,000 visa applications. It’s a huge capital drain on Nigeria.”
Strengthening the Naira Through Production
Finally, he called for Nigeria to boost its local production and exports, emphasizing that real global influence comes from economic productivity, not just diplomacy.
“China became powerful by producing and exporting. Until Nigeria improves its production capacity, we can’t claim strategic global partnerships.”
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