Nigerian
(The Post News)– Olufemi Soneye, former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has highlighted that the United States Embassy in Nigeria has begun canceling valid visas previously granted to Nigerian citizens.
This action has raised concerns among professionals, business owners, frequent travelers, and families. Soneye argued that these unannounced cancellations have left many stranded with broken plans, rising costs, and mounting uncertainty.
Soneye Says High-Profile Figures Are Among Those Affected
In an article, Soneye raised several concerns, questioning why Nigerian visas are being discreetly canceled. He explained that numerous Nigerians recently received official notifications from the embassy, directing them to present their passports at U.S. consulates in Lagos or Abuja. Once submitted, consular staff promptly revoked their visas without offering any explanation, sparking widespread concern.
The notifications referenced Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, citing “newly uncovered facts surfaced after the visa issuance.” However, the embassy provided no further details or proof, leaving affected citizens frustrated.
Soneye emphasized that this lack of transparency makes it impossible for travelers to understand the rationale behind the decisions. According to Soneye, those impacted include high-profile individuals such as a renowned journalist, the director of a national government institution preparing to deliver a major global speech, and a well-known Abuja-based businessperson with an impeccable travel history.
In addition, specialists and academics who rely on travel for family reunification, medical treatment, and business engagements now face sudden disruption, raising broader concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interactions with the U.S., as noted by Soneye.
Soneye Raises Additional Concern Over Stranded Families and Professionals
Many affected Nigerians had to abruptly cancel international trips, secure refunds for tickets, and explain to colleagues why they could not attend important meetings. Similarly, families planning educational relocation or medical care abroad also saw their plans upended. He stressed that the human cost of these visa cancellations is significant and widespread.
In some cases, travelers only learned of their revoked visas at airports or boarding points. Airline staff and immigration officers informed them of the cancellations just before departure. Consequently, these experiences intensified concerns about transparency and accountability, potentially affecting bilateral trust. He highlighted that the silence from authorities exacerbates these frustrations.
Despite the severity of the situation, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has issued no public statement, and Nigerian government officials have remained silent. Meanwhile, this absence of communication amplifies uncertainty. Soneye pointed out that the lack of explanation undermines confidence in both travel systems and broader diplomatic relations.
Experts Highlight Policy Implications
Analysts note that applicants from countries with high migration rates, including Nigeria, often undergo heightened scrutiny. Moreover, past U.S. policy guidelines encouraged intensified review for such applicants. Soneye observed that these measures could be a factor behind the recent surge in visa cancellations.
Business partnerships, academic programs, and medical exchanges depend heavily on predictable mobility. On the other hand, sudden visa revocations compromise planning, creating stress that can affect broader cooperation.
Seneye warned that the ripple effect of these cancellations could impact Nigerian professionals and families for months, if not years. For families and professionals, each canceled visa is not merely an inconvenience; it symbolizes uncertainty and potential economic and educational setbacks. Thus, he noted, these actions highlight the human and diplomatic costs of the embassy’s decisions.
Urgent Need for Transparency
The lack of official explanation leaves affected citizens questioning whether these cancellations represent short-term enforcement measures or a long-term policy shift. Observers warn that clear communication is essential to restore trust.
As Nigerians navigate these sudden disruptions, the unfolding situation highlights the delicate balance required to maintain strong cooperation with the U.S., emphasizing the need for accountability and communication. Without proper engagement, uncertainty and mistrust may continue to challenge progress.
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