FG moves to address US visa drop box suspension

The Nigerian government has pledged to address the suspension of the US visa drop box service through diplomatic engagement.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, stated this during a television interview on Tuesday. Speaking from the US, he said he would discuss the matter with Nigerian officials in Washington.

Oke downplayed the issue, citing the principle of reciprocity, as Nigeria does not offer a similar service to Americans renewing their visas. He also noted that visa validity for US citizens was only extended to five years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, matching the US policy for Nigerians.

He expressed confidence that the US government might reconsider its stance, emphasizing Nigeria’s significance on the global stage.

The drop box system previously allowed eligible applicants to renew visas without interviews. However, recent reports indicate that all visitor visa applicants in Nigeria must now attend in-person interviews.