Fresh trouble for Nigerians as US embassy cancels valid visas without explanation

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has recently taken a controversial step by revoking valid visas that had previously been issued to Nigerian citizens, a move that has left numerous professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travelers, and families in distress, grappling with abruptly cancelled plans and substantial financial repercussions.

In a compelling article published on Sunday, Olufemi Soneye, the former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has called attention to this alarming situation, titling his piece “The Quiet Revocation: Why is the U.S. Silently Cancelling Nigerians’ Visas?”

Soneye revealed that a number of Nigerians have received unsettling correspondence from the embassy, instructing them to submit their passports at its offices in Lagos or Abuja. To their shock, their visas were subsequently revoked without prior warning.

According to the notifications sent by the embassy, these cancellations were enacted under Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122. This specific regulation allows for the revocation of visas if “new information became available after the visa was issued.”

However, the embassy has been vague, offering no detailed explanations, evidence of wrongdoing, or any clear appeal process for those affected.

Among those caught in this unexpected wave of visa cancellations are notable individuals, including a distinguished journalist, the head of a federal government agency who was set to give an important international address, and a well-regarded Abuja-based entrepreneur known for a spotless travel record.

Their stories are just a few examples, as many professionals and frequent travelers who rely on U.S. visas for education, medical treatment, family visits, and business activities find themselves in similar predicaments.

The abrupt nature of these cancellations has forced countless individuals to abandon their meticulously planned international trips, seek refunds for purchased tickets, and face the daunting task of explaining their unexpected absence to colleagues and business partners.

In some troubling cases, individuals have only discovered their visa revocations at airports, with a few being detained briefly before being turned away.

Neither the U.S. Embassy nor Nigerian authorities have made any official comments regarding this troubling trend. Many of those impacted assert that they have never overstayed their visas, violated immigration regulations, or posed any security threats.

This has sparked suspicions that the embassy’s actions might signify a more stringent approach to visa policies concerning Nigerian nationals.

The ambiguity surrounding the situation has created a climate of uncertainty for Nigerians who depend on U.S. travel for both professional endeavors and personal matters.

This unsettling development raises pressing questions about the future of visa relations between the U.S. and Nigeria, as well as the potential implications for diplomatic and economic interactions between the two nations.