The U.S. government’s decision to suspend long-term visas for Nigerian citizens has sparked widespread concern and anger across the country, with many Nigerians voicing frustration over what they see as the fallout of poor foreign policy choices.
“I’ve worked for years building my career and preparing to relocate to the U.S. for postgraduate studies. Now, it all feels wasted,” said Adaobi Eze, a software developer in Abuja. “Why should ordinary Nigerians pay the price for political missteps?”
The suspension comes shortly after Nigeria’s attendance and active participation in the BRICS summit — a move many now fear has triggered diplomatic backlash from traditional Western allies. Critics of the Tinubu administration argue the president’s limited diplomatic experience and perceived lack of strategic foresight are beginning to show.
On social media, hashtags like #VisaBan and #DiplomaticFallout are trending, with many users blaming the government’s foreign policy pivot for what they describe as a “self-inflicted wound.”
“Tinubu wanted to play big on the global stage without understanding the game,” tweeted one user. “Now, students, professionals, and families are suffering.”
Others are calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to repair the damage. “This is not just about visas,” said political commentator Yusuf Ibrahim. “This is about Nigeria’s global credibility. If we lose that, we lose much more than travel access.”
The visa freeze also comes amid increasing disunity within ECOWAS, where Nigeria’s leadership role is being challenged following disagreements over regional security and governance. For many Nigerians, the developments mark a troubling shift — from regional fragmentation to global isolation.
“This isn’t just a foreign policy issue anymore,” said university lecturer Dr. Bisi Akinyemi. “It’s becoming a national crisis.”
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