The Nigerian House of Representatives has formally requested the United States government to reinstate the five-year multiple-entry visa policy for Nigerian citizens, which was recently curtailed to a three-month single-entry visa by the Trump administration. This action followed a motion of urgent public importance, highlighting the potential negative impacts of the shortened visa validity period on various aspects of Nigerian life, from business and academic pursuits to familial ties and diaspora contributions. The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the decision, emphasizing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations, built on shared democratic values, robust bilateral cooperation, and significant people-to-people engagement. They argued that the abrupt policy change undermines decades of mutual efforts to foster common goals, including counterterrorism initiatives, trade expansion, educational exchange, and cultural understanding.
The legislators emphasized the significant contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to American society, citing notable figures in various fields. They pointed out that Nigerian immigrants in the US are highly educated and productive, playing vital roles in sectors like healthcare, technology, academia, arts, and public service. The restrictive visa policy, they argued, unfairly penalizes over 200 million law-abiding Nigerian citizens for the actions of a minority of non-state actors. Furthermore, the lawmakers highlighted the potential economic repercussions of the policy shift, particularly the expected decline in remittances from the diaspora, which Nigeria anticipates will reach $1 billion monthly through diaspora bonds. This strategic objective, they argued, would be severely compromised if travel between the two countries becomes more complex and uncertain.
The House resolution emphasized the importance of the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group in fostering legislative diplomacy between the two nations. The group has consistently engaged with their US counterparts and various institutions in Washington D.C., New York, Utah, and other locations to promote mutual understanding and policy cooperation. Recent meetings, including those held during the celebration of US Independence Day in Abuja and during a visit to the United States, reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and historical ties between the two countries. During these engagements, discussions centered around clarifying Nigeria’s security challenges, combating religious and ethnic profiling, and advocating for the removal of restrictions that unfairly target Nigerian citizens.
The Nigerian lawmakers emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries. The House resolution directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage in diplomatic discussions with the US government to address the visa policy issue and prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations. The Ministry is tasked with protecting the dignity and mobility rights of Nigerian citizens. The House also encouraged continued dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, to address concerns related to security, human rights, and policy misconceptions that may hinder shared democratic and economic progress. This collaborative approach, the lawmakers believe, is crucial for resolving any outstanding issues and strengthening the bilateral relationship.
The House of Representatives further mandated the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate their position on the visa policy to the US Congress, the US Department of State, and the US Embassy in Nigeria. This communication aims to underscore the Nigerian government’s concerns and advocate for the reversal of the restrictive visa policy. The Parliamentary Friendship Group is also tasked with intensifying bilateral legislative diplomacy efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation between the legislatures of both countries. By fostering open and constructive dialogue, the group aims to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution to the visa issue and reinforce the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
In essence, the Nigerian House of Representatives’ resolution expresses deep concern and strong opposition to the recent US visa policy changes. They argue that the policy is counterproductive, damaging to the bilateral relationship, and unfairly penalizes the vast majority of law-abiding Nigerian citizens. They call for its immediate reversal and a return to the previous five-year multiple-entry visa regime. Furthermore, the resolution outlines a multi-pronged approach involving legislative diplomacy, diplomatic engagement, and continued dialogue between institutions in both countries to address the underlying concerns and ensure the continued strengthening of the Nigeria-US partnership.
