ABUJA, Nigeria — The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has summoned Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to address pressing concerns over Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements, including the recent change in the United States’ visa policy for Nigerians.
In a letter dated Friday, July 11, 2025, signed by committee chairman Hon. Wole Oke, the minister was requested to appear before the committee on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to provide clarifications on a range of issues the lawmakers described as critical to national interest.
The most urgent item on the committee’s agenda is the new U.S. visa policy, which came into effect on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
The policy limits the validity of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian nationals — including tourist, business, and student visas — to just three months, with single-entry status.
Previously issued multi-year, multiple-entry visas remain valid, but all new visas will be affected by the tighter restrictions.
The U.S. State Department has said the changes are part of broader efforts to strengthen border security, reduce visa overstays, and enhance global information-sharing.
Initial rumours suggesting that Nigeria had triggered the change by halting issuance of five-year visas to U.S. citizens were debunked.
However, investigations have indicated that Nigeria’s refusal to accept asylum seekers deported from the United States may have played a role in the Trump administration’s decision to impose the restrictions.
The lawmakers are also seeking clarity on allegations of illegal postings to foreign missions. According to Hon. Oke’s letter, the ministry allegedly transferred directors with less than three to six months before retirement to sensitive foreign service positions — a move viewed by the committee as both wasteful and procedurally questionable.
In addition, the panel raised concerns over the management of Ministry of Finance assets attached to Nigerian missions abroad.
Lawmakers are demanding an update on ongoing efforts to digitise operations, improve inter-agency integration — especially with the Nigeria Immigration Service — and ensure transparent disbursement of funds to missions, including supporting documentation for such allocations.
The minister was requested to submit a detailed briefing note by July 15, ahead of his scheduled appearance the following day.
The committee said it expects Tuggar to provide “comprehensive responses” to all issues raised, and to chart a roadmap for reforming the country’s consular services, diplomatic appointments, and international asset management framework.
The Foreign Ministry has come under increasing pressure in recent months as Nigerians home and abroad complain of poor consular services, long delays in passport processing, and lack of accountability in overseas missions.
The visa policy by the United States, a country with which Nigeria maintains one of its most important bilateral relationships, has intensified scrutiny over the state of Nigeria’s diplomatic posture and global reputation.
The committee has hinted that further hearings may be held in closed or open session depending on the nature of disclosures made by the minister.
No official response has yet been made public by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
