The House of Representatives has urged the United States Government to reverse its recent decision to reduce the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens, warning that the policy could jeopardize longstanding bilateral relations.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance condemning the U.S. State Department’s July 8 decision to downgrade visa validity from a five-year multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry for Nigerians.
Describing the change as “unfair, disruptive, and diplomatically insensitive,” the House said the move could severely affect millions of Nigerians who travel to the U.S. for education, business, work, and family visits.
The motion was sponsored by Hon. Muhammad Muktar and co-sponsored by Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Adefiranye Ayodele Festus, Hon. Atu Chimaobi Sam, and Hon. Akiba Bassey Ekpenyong. Muktar emphasized that the policy poses a “serious threat to the aspirations of law-abiding citizens” who depend on access to U.S. opportunities.
“This House must rise in defense of the ordinary Nigerian,” he said, warning that the policy could disrupt trade, academic pursuits, and family ties. He also noted that Nigeria receives over $1 billion monthly in remittances from its diaspora, which could be affected.
The House resolved to convey its objections through formal diplomatic and legislative channels, urging the U.S. to reinstate the previous five-year multiple-entry visa policy.
Lawmakers further stressed that future immigration decisions should be rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, rather than unilateral actions that strain international partnerships.
