US Visa Restrictions Not Targeted at Nigerians, Says Envoy

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills, has clarified that the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are not intended to penalise Nigerians but are part of efforts to strengthen security and border control procedures.

Mills made the clarification on Sunday, December 21, while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, following concerns raised over Nigeria’s inclusion among countries facing partial entry restrictions.

According to the ambassador, the presidential proclamation, which is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, affects only certain visa categories and forms part of broader measures to secure U.S. borders and safeguard American communities.

“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.

He explained that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected, while also providing exemptions for specific groups of travellers.
Mills listed holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes, among those exempted from the restrictions.

The envoy urged visa applicants and members of the public to rely on official sources for accurate information, advising them to consult the U.S. Embassy’s website for details on affected visa categories and applicable exemptions.

The clarification follows the signing of a presidential proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries classified as high risk.

The White House said the affected countries were identified based on what it described as persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing that pose threats to U.S. national security and public safety.

Nigeria is among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions under the new proclamation.