The House of Representatives has called on the United States government to reverse its decision to downgrade visa privileges for Nigerian citizens, urging a return to the previous five-year multiple-entry visa regime.
In a resolution referred to the U.S.-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, the House condemned the U.S. State Department’s “strong tendency to the y” of grading Nigerian visa status without considering the historical, strategic, and people-oriented ties between the two nations.
The resolution, moved on July 22 by Mutha Mohammed and six other lawmakers, tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the U.S. government diplomatically to prevent further strain in bilateral relations and safeguard the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.
“We urge the U.S. embassies in Nigeria and the U.S. Department of State to rescind this visa policy and restore the five-year multiple-entry visa previously granted to Nigerians, in the spirit of mutual respect, equity, and reciprocity,” the lawmakers stated.
The House also encouraged sustained dialogue between Nigerian and American institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, to address security, human rights, and policy concerns that could hinder shared democratic and economic aspirations.
Chair of the U.S.-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group informed members that even before the resolution, a formal letter had been sent to the U.S. Congress through Congressman Smith, following discussions during a recent visit. He said the group would now review the House’s resolution in detail, hold a robust debate, and determine the next steps in advancing the matter.
The letter from the Clerk of the House includes a copy of the resolution, votes, and proceedings from the July 22 session, for further action.
The committee commenced an economic and investment summit and economic relations through legislative diplomacy and engagement, aiming to leverage inter-parliamentary collaboration and explore strategic and sustainable investments and business opportunities to strengthen the economic growth and ties of Nigeria and the United States of America.
