A troubling wave of visa cancellations by the United States Embassy in Nigeria has left many Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, families, and frequent travelers stranded and confused. Despite holding valid visas, affected individuals have received official instructions to submit their passports at the US consulate in Lagos or Abuja, only to have their visas revoked without explanation.
Olufemi Soneye, former spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, sounded the alarm in a recent article describing the ‘quiet revocation’ of visas. Cancellation notices cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, citing "new information became available after the visa was issued," but fail to provide any evidence, details, or an avenue of appeal. This lack of transparency has fueled anxiety and frustration among Nigerians who depend on these visas for critical reasons including education, medical treatment, business, and family reunions.
Among those affected are a prominent journalist, a federal government agency head slated to deliver an international address, and entrepreneurs with spotless travel histories. The sudden cancellations have disrupted travel plans, forced ticket refunds, and caused professional and personal setbacks. In some cases, travelers only learned of the cancellations at airports, with a few even briefly detained before being turned back.
Despite the growing impact, the Nigerian government’s foreign affairs ministry has yet to issue any public statement or response. This silence leaves thousands of Nigerians in limbo, highlighting a stark imbalance between diplomatic relations and citizen welfare.
The situation raises pressing questions about the criteria used for these cancellations and the broader implications for Nigeria’s international relations and mobility. Calls are mounting for government intervention and clarity to protect the rights and interests of Nigerian citizens abroad.