Nigeria’s retired ambassador to the United States, Joe Keshi, has raised concerns over Washington’s latest visa policy shift that reduces visa validity for Nigerian nationals from five years to just three months, effective July 8, 2025.
In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Keshi warned that the policy would significantly disrupt Nigerian businesses, limit tech innovation, and pose fresh obstacles for students pursuing U.S. education. “This will increase corruption in the visa process and make mobility a nightmare for genuine travelers,” he said.
Not Just Reciprocity — U.S. Gives Security Rationale
While the U.S. embassy initially cited visa reciprocity as the reason for the new restriction, it later walked back the explanation, instead attributing the decision to a “global review using technical and security benchmarks.”
“We remain committed to working closely with Nigerian officials to help meet those criteria and ensure safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel,” the embassy posted on X.
Nigeria Pushes Back
Nigerian officials have rejected the move. The Presidency dismissed the reciprocity argument as inaccurate, while Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar controversially linked the visa issue to Nigeria’s refusal to accept deportees from U.S. prisons, including Venezuelan nationals — a claim denied by Nigeria’s U.S. Mission.
“We cannot accept Venezuelan deportees. We have enough problems of our own,” Tuggar argued.
‘Hurts Nigeria More’ – Keshi
Ambassador Keshi said the policy disproportionately harms Nigeria:
“Americans hardly travel to Nigeria in large numbers. So this policy hurts us more — especially entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and students,” he said.
“Imagine applying this month for a U.S. visa and being told your interview is next year. That’s the reality.”
He also criticized the widening corruption in the visa application process, stating:
“No embassy will admit it, but there’s massive corruption involved. With this three-month policy, Nigerians will likely pay more — both legally and illegally — just to keep traveling.”
Weak Diplomatic Ties Blamed
Keshi emphasized that Nigeria has failed to build strong diplomatic ties with the U.S., unlike nations such as Israel and Egypt, which have entrenched strategic partnerships.
“We pretend to call it a strategic relationship, but it’s not. The U.S. doesn’t have major investments in Nigeria. Compare this to South Africa, where over 6,000 American firms operate,” he noted.
He urged the government to negotiate diplomatically, citing an earlier agreement for mutual five-year visas that Nigeria allegedly implemented poorly, creating friction.
Tech and Education Sectors in Jeopardy
The restriction is seen as a major setback for Nigerian startups and the tech ecosystem, where frequent travel for accelerator programs, venture meetings, and conferences is essential.
Students pursuing U.S. academic programs also face renewed difficulties and escalating costs, as they will now need to reapply and pay fees every three months.
A Chance for Reflection and Diversification
Keshi encouraged Nigerian policymakers to reassess the country’s global posture:
“Maybe this is an opportunity to review our diplomatic engagements and even diversify our international partnerships,” he said.
He listed India, Japan, and South Korea as countries with growing footprints in Nigeria, while noting the declining presence of U.S. and British companies.
“What are we even producing for export? Until Nigeria boosts production, strengthens its currency, and becomes relevant in global trade beyond oil, it will remain sidelined.”
Takeaway:
The U.S. visa downgrade is more than a diplomatic spat — it’s a wake-up call for Nigeria to re-strategize its foreign policy, rebuild international confidence, and fix domestic systems that enable abuse and corruption.
