Reps panel invites Tuggar over new US visa restrictions for Nigerians

A house of representatives committee has invited Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, to address some issues of national importance.

In a letter dated July 11 and addressed to Tuggar, Wole Oke, chairman of the committee on foreign affairs, requested the minister to appear before the panel to address the recent change in visa policy for Nigerians by the United States government, allegations of illegal posting to foreign missions of directors with less than 3 to 6 months to their retirement, and optimisation of the ministry of finance assets in foreign missions.

Oke highlighted others issues like the digitisation of ministry of finance and missions providing consular services, vis-a-vis integration of the platforms and systems of other agencies like the Nigerian Immigration Service, disbursement to missions along with supporting documents.

Oke asked the minister to forward a detailed briefing note on or before July 15, before his appearance on July 16.

CHANGE IN US VISA RULES FOR NIGERIANS

The United States recently implemented a new visa policy for Nigerians, effective July 8, 2025, limiting the validity of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas, such as tourist, business, and student visas, to just three months.

Additionally, the visas are now single-entry, meaning holders must reapply for a new visa for every trip to the U.S.

The change applies only to new visas issued from July 8 onward; previously issued valid visas remain unaffected and can still be used for multiple entries within their original validity period.

The US State Department said the new restrictions are also part of broader efforts to strengthen border security, reduce visa overstays, and enhance information sharing between countries.

There were claims — now confirmed to be false — that Nigeria caused the policy change by stopping to issue five-year visas to American citizens.

TheCable, however, reported that Nigeria’s refusal to accept asylum seekers from the US was partly responsible for the recent visa restrictions imposed on the country by President Donald Trump.