The Nigerian government has restated its readiness to sustain positive diplomatic relations with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
This was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday, the 15th of July, 2025, in Abuja by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.
The statement comes amid recent changes in visa issuance rules by both countries, which affect Nigerian travellers.
Onanuga explained that relevant government bodies are already addressing the issues raised through diplomatic channels.
He said, “The US government had officially communicated that its decision was based on the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records.”
According to the US authorities, the changes are part of its global visa reciprocity policy, which is subject to ongoing reviews, including entry limits and visa duration terms.
Responding to this, Onanuga said President Tinubu has directed all federal institutions to meet international standards and improve cooperation with other countries to verify the identities of Nigerians seeking foreign consular services.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Orders Stronger ID Verification for Nigerians Abroad over Visa Restrictions
Tinubu also appealed to Nigerians abroad to comply with the immigration rules of their host countries and honour the conditions of any legal documentation or residency privileges.
Speaking on the UAE’s new visa guidelines, Onanuga said the Nigerian government has yet to receive any official notice on an updated policy from the Gulf country.
He stated, “Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
“The current administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank.
“The Federal Government is committed to deepening Nigeria’s valued bilateral relations with the Governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”