The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to initiate diplomatic discussions with the United States following the suspension of the visa drop box service for Nigerians seeking to renew their U.S. visas.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday.
“I am currently in the U.S. and will take this matter up. After my meetings in New York, I will head to Washington to discuss the issue with our chargé d’affaires and explore possible resolutions,” Oke stated.
He downplayed the impact of the suspension, noting that Nigeria does not offer a similar drop box service to Americans renewing their Nigerian visas.
“I don’t see this as a major issue. The United States has the right to discontinue the drop box procedure for Nigerians renewing their visas. In diplomacy, the principle of reciprocity applies," he explained.
He further pointed out that prior to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, the U.S. granted Nigerians only two-year visas, while Nigeria issued American citizens just one-year visas.
While the decision remains within the prerogative of U.S. authorities, the Nigerian government aims to engage in dialogue to address any concerns and seek a mutually beneficial resolution.
