A growing number of Nigerian citizens are finding themselves locked out of the United States, despite holding valid visas that were issued months or even years ago, as visa denials quietly mount
- A number of Nigerian citizens with valid U.S. visas are experiencing sudden revocations without warning.
- The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has annulled visas citing unspecified new information under Title 22 CFR Section 41.122.
- This situation severely impacts individuals, disrupting travel plans and professional engagements.
- The lack of transparency around these actions has raised concerns and caused significant uncertainty for affected individuals.
A growing number of Nigerians holding valid U.S. visas have reportedly had them abruptly revoked, upending travel plans, business trips, family visits, and educational engagements. These cancellations, issued without warning, are being carried out under Title 22 CFR Section 41.122, citing “new information became available after the visa was issued,” although no further explanation or evidence is provided.
Former NNPC Ltd communications head Olufemi Soneye highlighted the human impact of the silent revocations. “Each had to abruptly cancel engagements, refund tickets, and explain to partners abroad why they could no longer show up. In some cases, the humiliation has been unbearable: travelers discovering at the airport, sometimes even at boarding gates, that their visas had been quietly invalidated.” A few experienced temporary detention before being sent home “in shame.”
Recipients are merely told they may reapply—a process that is not only costly but also shrouded in uncertainty. The lack of transparency has raised serious alarm, with critics speculating the policy may be tied to shifting U.S.–Africa relations under the Trump administration.