Dozens of Nigerians say their valid U.S. visas have been unexpectedly revoked, leaving professionals, business owners, frequent travelers, and families dealing with canceled plans and significant financial losses.
Former NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye brought attention to the issue in an article called “The Quiet Revocation: Why is the U.S. Silently Cancelling Nigerians’ Visas?”
According to report, several people affected by the cancellations received official letters from the U.S. Embassy in recent weeks asking them to bring their passports to the consulate in Lagos or Abuja.
After submitting their passports, their visas were canceled without a clear reason given.
The notices referenced Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, and simply stated that “new information became available after the visa was issued.”
The letters provided no specific details and offered no way to appeal the decision.
The visa cancellations have impacted various high-profile individuals, including a senior journalist and the head of a federal agency who was supposed to speak at an international event.
An Abuja-based entrepreneur with a clean travel history also had their visa revoked.
The cancellations have also affected professionals, students, and regular travelers who rely on their visas for education, business trips, family visits, medical care, and international conferences.
Some Nigerians only learned their visas had been canceled when they arrived at airports or tried to board their flights.
A few were briefly held by immigration officials before being sent back.
Many people had to cancel their trips, get refunds for tickets, and explain to international partners why they couldn’t attend planned meetings or events.
Despite increasing reports of visa cancellations, neither the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria nor Nigerian government officials have made any public statements explaining what’s happening, leaving affected citizens confused about why their visas were revoked.
The people whose visas were canceled say they have never overstayed their visits, violated immigration laws, or created any security concerns.
