Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The United States Embassy in Nigeria confirms that it will partially suspend visa issuance to Nigerian nationals from January 1, 2026, following a new immigration directive by President Donald Trump.
The embassy discloses the decision in a post on its official X page on Monday night, stating that the measure takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
According to the announcement, Nigeria is among 19 countries affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
The proclamation mandates the US Department of State to partially suspend the issuance of certain categories of visas, including nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as most immigrant visas.
“Effective January 1, 2026, the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries,” the embassy states.
Other countries listed under the directive include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, The Gambia, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe, alongside several Caribbean and Latin American states.
US authorities clarify that the suspension does not amount to a total visa ban and outlines specific exemptions. These include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from unaffected countries, and Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees.
Additional exemptions apply to lawful permanent residents of the United States and participants in select major international sporting events.
The embassy does not indicate how long the partial suspension will remain in force but emphasises that the policy is rooted in national security considerations.
The development is expected to affect travel, education and migration plans for thousands of Nigerians seeking entry into the United States, as analysts anticipate increased demand for clarification and alternative pathways.
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