Bashir Ahmad, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has linked the US’ new short-term visa policy for Nigerian citizens to President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to Brazil for the BRICS Summit.
The US announced that it has tightened its visa regulations for Nigerians in reciprocity for Nigeria’s short-term visa policies towards US citizens, effective from July 8, 2025.
Ahmad said the policy change is not solely about reciprocity, but rather reflects growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly its warm reception from the BRICS.
He stated, “I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity.
“Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.”
Ahmad added that Tinubu’s successful outing at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a strong message, indicating Nigeria’s growing strategic partnerships that serve its national interest.
He concluded, “We are Nigeria and we will be alright.”