The U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday reiterated that protecting the safety and security of the United States is central to its visa application and decision-making process.
This comes after last week’s directive requiring Nigerian applicants to submit all social media usernames and handles used within the last five years as part of their visa applications.
According to the Mission, applicants must accurately provide these details on the DS-160 visa form, cautioning that failure to do so could result in visa denial.
In response, the Federal Government announced that American travelers to Nigeria would be subjected to the same requirements.
“The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures,” spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said last Monday.
However, in a statement released Monday on X, the US Mission said prospective visa applicants undergo careful vetting to maintain a safe and welcoming environment in the US.
It said, “The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process.
“That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
The Mission added, “These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”