Interior Minister, US Ambassador Meet Over Visa Reforms

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced progress in diplomatic discussions with the United States regarding newly introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.

In a statement shared via his official platform, the Minister disclosed that he held a “constructive meeting” with US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., to address the evolving visa framework and mutual concerns around travel documentation and immigration protocols.

“I held a constructive meeting with US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today, to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals,” the Minister wrote.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap. The session aimed to bolster US-Nigeria relations through a more structured visa framework.

According to the Minister, discussions centred on visa reciprocity and policy adjustments.
“Ambassador Mills Jr. provided valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process,” he noted.

The US Ambassador reportedly commended Nigeria’s new e-visa policy as “an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country.”

A joint commitment was reached between the Ministry of Interior, the NIS, and the US Mission in Nigeria to improve cooperation. The parties emphasized the need for compliance with visa rules and the promotion of responsible travel practices among Nigerians.

The Minister further affirmed the administration’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to key measures including:

Issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.

Effective visa overstay management to curb misuse of US visas.

Improved information sharing, especially in matters relating to security and criminal records, to enhance public safety.

The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance international mobility for Nigerian citizens while safeguarding national security interests.