Abuja/Lagos, September 1, 2025 — In a quietly unfolding yet highly disruptive development, the United States Embassy in Nigeria has begun revoking previously valid visas issued to Nigerian citizens. The wave of cancellations has left a spectrum of individuals—professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travelers, students, and families—suddenly stranded and grappling with financial and personal fallout.
The Quiet Revocation
According to an exposé by The Guardian, multiple Nigerians have confirmed receiving formal letters from the U.S. Embassy instructing them to surrender their passports at the Lagos or Abuja consulates. Upon submission, their visas were summarily cancelled, often without warning or explanation.
Legal Rationale Cited
The letters reference Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, claiming that “new information became available after the visa was issued”. However, no specific details are provided—neither evidence nor reasons for the revocations. Similarly, no appeal process is offered; recipients are merely told they can reapply if they wish.
Affected Demographics & Impact
Those affected include a prominent journalist, the head of a federal agency scheduled to make an international appearance, and a well-regarded entrepreneur based in Abuja with a spotless travel history. Also among those impacted are …
- Professionals and frequent travelers reliant on visas for education, medical treatment, family reunions, or business engagements .
- Many were forced to cancel trips on short notice, refund airline tickets, and explain last-minute travel disruptions to business partners .
- In some distressing cases, travelers found out only at airports or boarding gates that their visas were no longer valid—resulting in brief detentions or being turned back from departure points .
Strategic Concerns and International Fallout
Amidst the disruptions, neither the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria nor Nigerian authorities have issued any official statements. The silence has fueled speculation that this could be a deliberate, targeted tightening of visa policies against Nigerian nationals. Analysts point to a history of increased scrutiny of applicants from high-migration countries—and Nigeria has frequently been singled out in such policies.
Calls for Official Response
Media strategist Olufemi Soneye (former NNPC communications head) urged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must take immediate action by:
- Issuing a public protest or formal statement
- Demanding clarity and transparency from the U.S. Embassy
- Advocating for fair treatment of Nigerians who have complied with all immigration rules
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