Despite rising diplomatic tension over new visa rules affecting Nigerian citizens, the United States has reaffirmed its economic commitment to Nigeria, disclosing that it invested $6.5 billion in the country in 2023 — a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria made the disclosure on Friday through a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, underscoring Washington’s sustained position as one of Nigeria’s most significant foreign investors. The Mission also revealed that Nigeria is now the U.S.’ second-largest trading partner on the African continent, with two-way trade in goods and services nearing $13 billion in 2024.
The announcement, however, comes at a time of public discontent and diplomatic friction following a controversial decision by the U.S. State Department to drastically reduce the validity of non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas for Nigerians. Under the new policy — which took effect July 8, 2025 — such visas are now valid for just three months and permit only a single entry.
The U.S. government clarified that the new restrictions will not affect Nigerians currently holding valid visas issued before the policy change. Still, the adjustment is expected to impact thousands of citizens — including students, professionals, business travellers, and families — who routinely rely on multiple-entry visas for frequent travel.
The development has fueled speculation and criticism across diplomatic and public spheres. Analysts and policy watchers have drawn connections between the tightened visa policy and Nigeria’s growing ties with emerging global coalitions like BRICS, as well as its recent refusal to participate in a controversial U.S. migrant resettlement plan.
Sources within diplomatic circles revealed that Washington had approached Nigeria with a proposal to temporarily host asylum seekers whose immigration cases remain pending in the U.S. — a process that could take several years. Nigeria reportedly declined the offer, citing internal challenges and limited capacity to serve as a processing hub for foreign migrants.
Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed the government’s position. Tuggar stated unequivocally that Nigeria would not serve as a “dumping ground” for Venezuelan nationals or any other migrants being deported from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration.
Responding to growing backlash, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria issued a statement denying any political motivation behind the revised visa policy. According to the Mission, the decision was based on a technical and security-focused global review aimed at maintaining the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
While the diplomatic fallout continues to unfold, both nations remain economically intertwined, with the United States still holding a dominant position as a key trade and investment partner in Nigeria.