The United States (US) has confirmed that Nigeria has a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent, while the overstay rate for student and exchange visas (F, M, and J) reached 11.90 percent, and has therefore halted the entry of most Nigerian immigrants and temporary visitors.
The new measures, are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The government also specifically highlighted the active presence of radical Islamist insurgencies, such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, which officials claim hinder the ability to conduct reliable background checks.
Read also: US Congressman set to brief Trump on alleged genocide in Nigeria
The directive, outlined in a proclamation published on the White House website, suspends entry for Nigerians seeking permanent residency (Green Cards) as well as those applying for a wide array of non-immigrant visas.
This includes B-1 and B-2 visas for business and tourism, F and M visas for academic and vocational studies, and J visas for exchange programmes.
The statement by Trump reads thus:
“The entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria… is hereby suspended,” the proclamation stated.
“…Foreign nationals from the countries described above have also exploited the historic generosity of the United States and violated our Nation’s immigration laws by not adhering to the terms of their nonimmigrant or immigrant visas.”
”These visa overstays and other abuses flagrantly violate United States immigration laws, despite generous incentives offered by my Administration.”
”To faithfully uphold United States immigration law, the flow of foreigners from countries with high overstay rates or significant fraud must stop”, he said.
The White House further noted that the “general lack of stability” in certain regions makes it nearly impossible to verify the security risks posed by individuals arriving from the country.
Beyond counter-terrorism concerns, the US authorities cited high rates of visa non-compliance.
Read also:Trump orders inquiry into attacks on Nigerian Christians, says US lawmaker
Diplomatic tensions
The restrictions follows the recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ regarding religious freedom. President Trump has previously accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from persecution by extremists which the Nigerian government has dismissed as a “simplistic” interpretation of a complex regional conflict.
Despite the ban, diplomatic channels remain open. On Monday, Richard Mills, US ambassador to Nigeria held talks with Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s foreign minister to discuss mutual concerns suggesting that negotiations regarding security cooperation are ongoing.
Read also: US revokes 80,000 visas since January as Trump tightens immigration crackdown
A growing list of restricted countries
Nigeria is one of 15 countries newly added to the US restricted list, joining a group of nations that have faced partial sanctions since June. The new measure will also apply to Angola, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and other regions such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Tonga.
The restrictions apply only to foreign nationals currently outside the United States who do not hold a valid visa by the implementation date. Exemptions have been carved out for lawful permanent residents, diplomats, professional athletes, and certain special immigrant categories.
