Tunji-Ojo Meets US Envoy Over Three-Month Visa Policy

Tunji-Ojo Meets US Envoy Over Three-Month Visa Policy

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, met on Wednesday in Abuja with Richard Mills, the United States ambassador to Nigeria.

The meeting was attended by Kemi Nanna Nandap, comptroller-general (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Magdalene Ajani, the permanent secretary in the ministry of interior.

In a statement, Tunji-Ojo said the recently introduced visa procedures by the US government for Nigerian nationals were discussed during the “constructive meeting”.

The interior minister said the US ambassador provided “valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.”

“The ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance the application process for foreign travellers into the country,” the statement reads.

“The Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the US Mission in Nigeria agreed to strengthen collaboration, emphasizing adherence to visa regulations and promoting responsible travel practices among Nigerian citizens.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to ensure strict compliance across the board in key areas, including secure travel documents, ensuring the issuance of secure travel documents with verified traveller identities.

“Visa overstay management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travellers on US visas.

“Information sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”

On Tuesday, the US embassy in Nigeria announced a major change to its visa policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens.

The embassy said most of the affected visas will now be limited to single entry with a three-month validity period.