US Embassy in Nigeria Quietly Revokes Valid Visas, Leaves Citizens Stranded

The US Embassy in Nigeria has started revoking valid visas issued to Nigerian citizens, causing widespread disruption and financial losses. The revocations, which began quietly, have affected various groups, including professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travelers, and families.

Several individuals have confirmed receiving official letters from the embassy, instructing them to submit their passports at the consulate in Lagos or Abuja. Upon submission, their visas were summarily canceled without explanation. Some affected individuals include .
A Prominent Journalist: One well-known journalist had their visa revoked, disrupting their travel plans.
Head of a Federal Government Agency: A government official scheduled to deliver an international address was also affected.

Abuja-Based Entrepreneur: An entrepreneur with a spotless travel record had their visa canceled, causing them to lose business opportunities.

The cancellation notices cite Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, vaguely stating that “new information became available after the visa was issued.” However, no specific details or evidence are provided, leaving recipients uncertain about the reasons behind the revocations .

The revocations have caused significant disruptions, including:
Canceled Trips: Many individuals were forced to cancel overseas trips, refund tickets, and explain their absence to international partners.
Lost Business Opportunities: Entrepreneurs have lost business deals and investments due to their inability to travel.
Detention at Airports: Some travelers were detained by immigration officials before being turned back.

Despite the growing number of cancellations, neither the US Embassy in Nigeria nor Nigerian authorities have issued a public statement addressing the situation, leaving affected citizens in limbo .