The Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagement with the United States following Washington’s decision to place Nigeria on a list of countries affected by a temporary immigrant visa pause.
The United States had, on January 14, announced a suspension of certain immigrant visa categories for 75 countries, including Nigeria. The policy, which took effect on January 21, 2026, has sparked anxiety among Nigerians hoping to relocate permanently to the US for work, education and family reunification.
Reacting to the development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Abuja was actively pursuing dialogue aimed at securing Nigeria’s removal from the affected list. The Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at the ministry, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that while visa issuance remained the sovereign right of every country, Nigeria was leveraging diplomatic channels to resolve the issue.
According to him, the Federal Government recognises the limits of its influence but remains committed to constructive engagement. “Visa issuance is strictly the prerogative of the issuing country. You cannot compel a sovereign state to grant entry to your citizens. However, we are engaging the United States through diplomatic means to address the concerns and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome,” he said.
Ebienfa noted that Nigeria was not being singled out, stressing that several other countries were also affected by the US action. He urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring them that discussions were ongoing behind the scenes.
He further emphasised the government’s responsibility to protect Nigerians abroad and sustain strong bilateral relations with Washington. “We are confident that through sustained engagement, there will be a win-win resolution,” he said.
The ministry, he added, is working closely with relevant US authorities to clarify and address the issues that prompted the visa pause, expressing optimism that Nigeria would be delisted once outstanding concerns are resolved.
