The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to take diplomatic steps to address the suspension of the drop box service for Nigerians renewing their US visas.
This commitment was made by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday.
“I am currently in the US (United States). After my meetings in New York, I will proceed to Washington. We have a chargé d’affaires there, and I will engage with him to discuss the matter and seek a resolution,” Oke said.
He emphasized that the suspension of the drop box service, while concerning, was not a major issue, citing that Nigeria does not offer a similar service for Americans renewing their Nigerian visas. “This is not a serious issue. The United States has the right to cancel the drop box procedure for Nigerian visa renewals. Diplomacy is based on the principle of reciprocity,” Oke explained.
He continued, “When Americans or Nigerians born in the US want to renew their visas, we do not provide a drop box service. It was entirely the US’s choice to offer that service to us.”
Oke also highlighted the differences in visa policies between the two countries, noting that prior to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the US issued Nigerian visas for two years, while Nigeria issued US visas for just one year. “It was only after President Tinubu took office that he instructed the Minister of Interior to apply the same five-year rule for US citizens as the US applies to Nigerians.”
While expressing concern over the suspension, Oke remained optimistic, stating, “Nigeria is a key player on the global stage, and no country would want to disregard us. We are an important asset, and I believe that in the future, the US will review its policies.”
The drop box system, which allowed applicants with recent US travel history to submit their passports without interviews, had streamlined the visa renewal process. However, visa applicants in Nigeria reported over the weekend that the US has suspended the service, requiring all visitor visa applicants to now attend in-person interviews for renewals.
