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US to Partially Suspend Nigerian Visas from January 2026
The US will partially suspend visas for Nigerian nationals from January 1, 2026, affecting nonimmigrant and immigrant categories under a new security proclamation
The United States will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to Nigerian nationals starting January 1, 2026, following a presidential proclamation on border and national security.
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The US Mission in Nigeria confirmed that the restriction will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Nigeria is among 19 countries affected, including Angola, Benin, Cuba, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.
The suspension covers nonimmigrant visas such as B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visas, as well as immigrant visas, with limited exemptions.
Exemptions include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals using passports from unaffected countries, lawful permanent residents of the US, participants in certain major international sporting events, and special immigrant visas for eligible US government employees.
The US Mission clarified that only foreign nationals outside the US on the effective date without a valid visa will be affected.
“Foreign nationals holding valid visas as of January 1, 2026, will not be affected. No visas issued before that date will be revoked,” the statement added.
Visa applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, but under the new rules, they may be denied visa issuance or admission.
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The move follows previous US actions targeting Nigeria, including its recent inclusion on a revised travel ban list and designation for violating religious freedom.
In a decisive move aimed at alleviating the economic burdens of retired public servants, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has officially approved increased monthly pension payments for all former workers from both state and local government offices. The approval follows an extensive financial review of retirees’ living conditions, with particular attention to those in lower-income brackets who have been disproportionately affected by the prevailing cost-of-living crisis.
The decision was precipitated by the findings and recommendations of a special committee empaneled to evaluate the welfare situation of pensioners across the state. The committee’s report highlighted acute financial distress among aging retirees and called for immediate remedial action. In response, the state government has authorized a substantive upward adjustment in monthly pension stipends.
This increment aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Minimum Wage Act of 2024, which explicitly recommended an additional monthly sum of at least N32,000 for pensioners. Governor Lawal has opted for full implementation of this advisory for all retired state and local government employees a policy intervention expected to benefit thousands of households across Zamfara. The state government has subsequently issued binding directives to all relevant agencies to ensure the expeditious and seamless disbursement of the enhanced payments without procedural delays.
Speaking on the development, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, characterized the policy as a tangible demonstration of Governor Lawal’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for both active and former government workers. According to the Commissioner, the administration operates on the principle that dignified retirement includes access to basic necessities and financial comfort. Beneficiaries across all local government areas have been assured of prompt payment once implementation commences.
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