What Nigerians should do after US visa restrictions — Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has advised Nigerians to concentrate on developing the country and confronting internal challenges following the United States’ decision to impose new visa restrictions on Nigeria.

In a post shared on X on Wednesday, Sani said many Nigerians initially celebrated the first round of visa bans because they believed it targeted only government officials accused of religious persecution. 

He noted that the latest restriction, which now includes Nigeria among 23 affected countries, applies more broadly. 

According to him, the list largely features Black African and Caribbean nations, sending a clear message that migrants from developing countries are unwelcome and should instead remain to fix their domestic problems.

He wrote, “They said the First Visa ban focused on those who engage in acts of religious persecution,and many jubilated on social media,thinking it’s only for Government officials.The second visa restriction is for everyone,now that Nigeria is listed among 23 others.The recent list has no Arab countries but mostly Black Africans and Caribbeans,even though safety and security was used as the basis.The message is very clear;third World migrants are NOT welcomed.Stay back and build your country or deal with your problems.”

His comments followed confirmation by the United States government that Nigeria was added to its expanded travel restrictions list over terrorism-related security concerns and high visa overstay rates.

According to U.S. authorities, the presence and activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of Nigeria have created challenges for effective screening and vetting of travellers. 

The decision was also influenced by data showing elevated visa overstay figures, with Nigeria recording a 5.56 per cent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M and J visas.

“Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties. According to the Overstay Report, Nigeria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent.”

Tribune Online reports that United States President, Donald Trump, approved the expanded travel restrictions under a new proclamation aimed at strengthening national security and public safety.

A White House statement said the proclamation retains full entry restrictions on nationals of 12 countries earlier classified as high risk: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Five more countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria were added to the list of nations facing full restrictions following a recent security review. 

The measures also apply to individuals travelling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now been placed under full entry limits, while partial restrictions remain for Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela.

The proclamation lifts the ban on nonimmigrant visas for Turkmenistan, citing improved cooperation with the United States, but maintains restrictions on immigrant entry for Turkmen nationals.

Nigeria is among 15 countries newly placed under partial restrictions, alongside Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The policy provides exemptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders and specific categories such as diplomats and athletes, as well as individuals whose entry is considered to serve U.S. national interests. 

It also tightens family-based immigrant visa exemptions viewed as vulnerable to fraud, while allowing case-by-case waivers.

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