Nigerian Immigration Service Urges Responsible Use Of U.S. Visas.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a stern warning to Nigerian citizens, urging them to use U.S. visas responsibly and in strict accordance with their stated purpose. The advisory, released on Saturday in Abuja, follows concerns raised by the U.S. Government regarding the misuse of visas by some Nigerians, which could jeopardise legitimate travel opportunities for others.
Akinsola Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer, emphasised that visa holders must adhere to the terms and conditions under which their visas were granted. He highlighted that U.S. authorities conduct ongoing security screenings beyond the initial point of entry, meaning any violation of immigration laws—such as overstaying, engaging in unauthorised work, or misrepresenting the purpose of travel—could lead to visa revocation, deportation, or a permanent ban from entering the United States.
The NIS specifically addressed Nigerian students in the U.S., advising them to remain enrolled in active academic programmes and avoid unauthorised withdrawals or prolonged absences, which could result in visa cancellation and loss of future travel eligibility. Additionally, the service cautioned against applying for tourist visas with the intent of giving birth in the U.S. to secure citizenship for children, noting that consular officers may deny such applications if suspicions arise.
Akinlabi stressed the importance of compliance to maintain Nigeria’s standing with the U.S. and avoid stricter visa restrictions. “The NIS is working closely with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa bans,” he said. “We urge all citizens to respect U.S. immigration regulations to safeguard opportunities for legitimate travellers.”
The statement also echoed broader efforts by the Nigerian government to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian passport. Authorities warned that violations not only harm individual travellers but could also impact the broader Nigerian populace by prompting tighter visa scrutiny. In 2020, the U.S. imposed immigration restrictions on Nigeria due to concerns over visa overstays and inadequate security cooperation, though these measures primarily affected immigrant visas.
To reinforce the message, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) issued a similar advisory, with Director-General Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu urging Nigerians to declare excess cash above the U.S. threshold of $10,000 and avoid carrying prohibited items. He reiterated that U.S. authorities maintain continuous monitoring of visa holders, and violations could lead to severe consequences, including lifetime travel bans.
The NIS and NOA’s warnings underscore a collective push to promote responsible travel behaviour, ensuring that Nigerians can continue to access lawful opportunities for business, education, and cultural exchanges in the United States. Citizens are encouraged to verify visa requirements and adhere strictly to regulations to avoid jeopardising their travel prospects.
