In February 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria made a landmark policy move by granting US citizens 5-year visas to Nigeria. It was a step toward easing travel and improving bilateral relations.
But in the mid-2024, under President Bola Tinubu’s government, that policy was reversed. Tinubu’s administration quietly downgraded the visa duration for US citizens from 5 years to just 3 months.
No announcement. No consultation. Just a silent policy change and the motive was purely for revenue generation. The Tinubu led-FG imposed a visa fee of $160 on US citizens and shortened the visa length which means that Americans would have to apply more often while Tinubu’s Government will be collecting more money per head.
Now, the US has responded on July 8, 2025 with a reciprocation that Nigerians can only get 3-month US visas as the US government has terminated the prior 2-year and 5-year options.
Also Read: Buhari and The Dilemma of Choices
The worst part is that the ordinary Nigerians, especially those without diplomatic or second passports, are the ones paying the price. Business people, students, tourists, and families are now trapped in a cycle of short visas, higher costs, and more uncertainty, all because of a policy born out of desperation for revenue.Yet, the media is silent.
Where are the investigative journalists that should be telling Nigerians the truth? Instead of holding the government accountable, they are either ignoring the story or recycling the U.S. Embassy’s statement out of context.
Also, where is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior? The man behind the implementation of this policy. He owes Nigerians an explanation.
