The Federal Government has remained silent following growing reports of visa cancellations by the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
Former spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Olufemi Soneye, raised the alarm in a recent article on Premium Times, alleging a wave of “quiet revocations” affecting Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travellers, and families.
According to Soneye, several affected citizens confirmed receiving official letters from the embassy in recent weeks directing them to submit their passports at consulates in Lagos or Abuja. Upon submission, however, their previously valid visas were revoked without explanation.
He noted that the embassy cited Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, which allows for visa cancellation if “new information becomes available after the visa was issued.” No details or avenues for appeal were reportedly provided.
Those affected include a prominent journalist, the head of a federal agency billed to deliver an international address, and an Abuja-based entrepreneur with a clean travel record. Others are said to be professionals and frequent travellers who depend on visas for education, medical care, business, and family obligations.
“Beyond that, nothing is explained. No evidence is shared. No avenue for appeal is offered. Recipients are merely advised to reapply if they wish – an instruction that provides no comfort to those suddenly stripped of their mobility,” Soneye wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any statement on the matter.
