The U.S. has halted the issuance of worker visas for Nigerian truck drivers, citing safety concerns and threats to American jobs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the suspension takes effect immediately, stating that the rising number of foreign truck drivers poses risks to American lives and undermines local truckers’ livelihoods. This move is part of President Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown since his return to office in January 2025. Additionally, a new State Department programme now requires visa applicants from countries with poor data systems and high overstay rates to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has also tightened requirements by mandating full disclosure of social media handles from the past five years, warning that omissions may result in visa denial or future ineligibility.

Nigeria Pledges Reciprocal Action Following New US Visa Requirements. The Federal Government has vowed to impose reciprocal measures after the United States introduced stricter visa requirements for Nigerian applicants. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced via its official X handle that all Nigerian visa applicants must now submit details of their social media accounts, email addresses, phone numbers, and usernames used over the past five years. It warned that failure to comply could lead to visa denial or future entry restrictions. Following reports that the new policy expands on earlier rules for international students, which required applicants to list and remove privacy restrictions on their social media accounts for vetting purposes. The U.S. authorities explained that the measure forms part of broader immigration policies aimed at strengthening national security. Responding, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria was briefed in advance of the policy and will respond with equal action. He stressed that American citizens applying for Nigerian visas will be subjected to the same requirements. “Visa matters are reciprocal. Whatever conditions are placed on our nationals, we will apply to theirs as well,” Ebienfa stated, adding that an inter-agency meeting will be convened to determine the government’s official response. #fintter_news #Nigerian_news #FG #America #Visa_requirements