The United States Embassy in Nigeria has quietly begun revoking previously issued valid visas belonging to Nigerian citizens, disrupting the plans and lives of professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travelers, and families.
Many affected individuals report receiving official notices instructing them to surrender their passports at the U.S. consulates in Lagos or Abuja, where their visas were abruptly canceled without explanation.
The cancellation letters cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, vaguely stating that “new information became available after the visa was issued,” but do not provide details, evidence, or any avenues for appeal.
Recipients are only advised that they may reapply for visas, a costly and uncertain process, causing significant distress.
Among those impacted are prominent journalists, government officials, executives in various sectors, and entrepreneurs with impeccable travel records.
Several have had to cancel important business and personal trips at short notice, sometimes discovering the visa cancellations only at the airport or boarding gate.
Some experienced brief detention by immigration officials before being turned back.
Affected individuals assert they have complied fully with immigration rules and raise concerns that this may be part of a silent tightening of U.S. visa policy targeting Nigerians.
Analysts suggest this is a continuation or escalation of stringent screening measures initiated in prior U.S. administrations.
Despite the severity of the situation, neither the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria nor Nigerian authorities have issued official statements explaining the wave of cancellations, leaving many Nigerians stranded and facing uncertainty.
The cancellations have widespread implications for Nigeria’s professional and business communities, affecting education, family reunions, medical travel, and commercial activities reliant on U.S. connections.
Calls are growing for diplomatic engagement to seek clarity and fairness in visa issuance policies.
