[NEWS] US announces visa ban on Nigerians

The United States has announced visa

restrictions on some Nigerians accused of 

undermining democracy, noting that this 

was part of the action to advance democracy

 and tackle corruption in Nigeria.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, 

who disclosed this in a statement on 

Wednesday, said that the sanctioned 

individuals, whose name he did not reveal, 

would be ineligible for US visas.

The top-ranking diplomat also explained that 

t some family members of those barred from

 the US may also be subjected to the same restriction.


He stated, ”We are committed to supporting 

and advancing democracy in Nigeria and 

around the world. Today, I am announcing 

visa restrictions on specific individuals in 

Nigeria for undermining the democratic 

process in a recent Nigerian election.


‘’Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the 

Immigration and Nationality Act, these 

individuals will be found ineligible for visas 

t

the United States under a policy to restrict v

of those believed to be responsible for, or 

c

in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.

‘’Certain family members of such persons 

may also be subject to these restrictions. 

Additional persons who undermine the 

d

process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up 

to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 

elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. 

visas under this policy.’’

Blinken clarified that the visa restriction was

 not targeted at the Nigerian people or the government.


He described it as a reflection of the US 

government’s commitment to supporting 

Nigeria’s aspiration to combat corruption a

strengthen democracy and the rule of law.


‘’The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,’’ the statement said.