In a clarification of the U.S. government’s recently announced visa restrictions, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills said on Sunday that the policy includes exemptions for religious leaders travelling to the United States for legitimate religious work, including clergy such as pastors, imams and traditional spiritual figures like babaláwos. Mills made the remarks during a news conference in Abuja while addressing journalists alongside members of a visiting U.S. Congressional delegation.
The visa changes, introduced through a presidential proclamation set to take effect on January 1, 2026, are part of broader efforts by the U.S. government to strengthen national security, improve vetting procedures, and enhance information sharing in the visa process, the ambassador explained. He temphasised that the measures are not targeted at Nigerians as a people, but are designed to address specific procedural concerns in immigration screening.
“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said, noting that the proclamation clearly outlines the visa categories that may be affected and the exemptions provided.
Among the exemptions listed by the ambassador are holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious purposes or assignments, ensuring that faith-based travel and engagements are not disrupted by the restrictions.
Mills urged prospective visa applicants and members of the public to consult the official website of the U.S. Embassy for detailed information on the proclamation, affected visa categories and available exemptions, and to use the designated embassy communication channels for specific enquiries.
Representative Bill Huizenga, leader of the U.S. Congressional delegation, reiterated that visa reviews and restrictions are routine tools used to encourage compliance and cooperation from partner countries, rather than punitive actions against citizens, and are regularly applied in various parts of the world.
The clarification comes amid wider reporting that the Trump administration has expanded travel and visa restrictions affecting numerous countries, citing national security and vetting concerns.
