Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has connected the United States’ latest visa restriction for Nigerians to President Bola Tinubu’s recent engagement with BRICS leaders in Brazil.
The U.S. government, on the 8th of July, 2025, rolled out new visa guidelines that reduce the validity period of most short-term visas issued to Nigerians. The move, it explained, was in response to Nigeria’s own visa policy affecting American citizens.
The revised policy, set to begin on the 8th of July, 2025, limits most non-immigrant visas including those for tourism and business to single-entry permits, valid for just 90 days. Visas issued before that date will remain valid under their original terms.
Reacting on X, Ahmad shared his thoughts: “I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity.
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“Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.
“Nigeria is charting its course, forging strategic partnerships that serve our national interest. Our President, Bola Tinubu’s successful outing at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a strong message.
“We are Nigeria and we will be alright.”