The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are not targeted at Nigerians, but are intended to enhance security procedures.
Mills made this known while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, December 21.
He explained that the presidential proclamation, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and affecting specific visa categories, forms part of wider efforts to strengthen U.S. border security and safeguard American communities.
“The visa review is focused on improving vetting processes and ensuring the availability of credible information, not on punishing Nigerians,” Mills said.
According to the ambassador, the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be impacted, while also providing exemptions for certain groups.
He noted that those exempted include holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes.
Mills advised visa applicants and the general public to visit the U.S. Embassy’s official website for comprehensive details on the proclamation, affected visa categories and applicable exemptions.
It would be recalled that President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation imposing additional entry restrictions on nationals of countries deemed high-risk due to what the White House described as serious shortcomings in screening, vetting and information sharing that pose threats to national security and public safety. Nigeria is among the 15 countries placed under partial entry restrictions.
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