Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has reacted to the United States’ recent adjustment of its visa policy for Nigerian citizens, suggesting that the move may be linked to Nigeria’s expanding relationships with the BRICS alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced a significant revision in its visa issuance policy, reducing the validity of most non-immigrant visas for Nigerians from a five-year multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry visa. The U.S. Embassy explained that the change was made in response to Nigeria’s own visa rules for American citizens, in an effort to ensure “reciprocity.”
Ahmad: “This Isn’t Just About Reciprocity”
While the U.S. maintains that the policy shift is a diplomatic balancing act, Bashir Ahmad offered a different perspective. In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the former media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari argued that the decision may be a strategic reaction to Nigeria’s recent foreign policy moves under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity,” Ahmad wrote.
He continued:
“It appears to reflect growing U.S. discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.”
Tinubu’s Active Global Diplomacy Cited
Ahmad praised President Tinubu for leading Nigeria into what he described as a more assertive and independent foreign policy era. He pointed to Nigeria’s active participation in international platforms like the BRICS Summit in Brazil, where Tinubu reportedly positioned Nigeria as a strong player among emerging global powers.
“President Tinubu’s impactful participation at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a clear and powerful message, showing Nigeria’s strength and confidence on the global stage,” Ahmad said.
According to him, Nigeria is now taking greater control of its destiny by forming strategic partnerships that are in the nation’s best interest, regardless of how traditional Western allies might react.
What the U.S. Embassy Says
Despite such commentary, the U.S. Embassy clarified that the change in visa policy is consistent with international diplomatic norms and aimed at achieving fairness in visa issuance terms.
“Starting today, the majority of non-immigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerians will be valid for three months and allow only a single entry,” the embassy stated.
The adjustment does not affect diplomatic or official visa holders.
What This Means for Nigerians
The change could have significant implications for Nigerian travelers, especially frequent flyers, businesspeople, and students who rely on extended stay or repeat visits to the U.S. It may also signal a shift in how the U.S. views its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria amid the latter’s growing alliance with non-Western powers.
