Diplomatic Tension: Nigeria Responds to US Suspension of Drop Box Visa Renewal

The sudden shutdown of the drop box service was a painful surprise for thousands of Nigerians who wanted to renew their U.S. visas without any hassles.

Over the weekend, the drop box option—once a simple procedure that let qualified applicants renew visas without having to appear in person for an interview—was covertly eliminated, which alarmed and irritated tourists.
Currently, the Federal Government is taking over. Nigerians have been reassured by Oluwole Oke, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, that diplomatic measures will be done to resolve the issue.

Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Oke affirmed that he will personally speak with U.S. and Nigerian officials to get clarification on the situation.

While I’m in the United States, I’ll bring up this issue. I’ll go to Washington to talk with our chargé d’affaires and other pertinent parties after my talks in New York,” Oke said.
Although the suspension is viewed as a setback by many Nigerians, Oke played down the decision, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in diplomatic relations. He said that just as Nigeria sets its own visa regulations, the U.S. government has the authority to change its own.

“This is not an emergency. Nigerians are free to use the drop box system as they see fit, according to the United States. It’s interesting to note that Americans do not have the same opportunity when renewing their Nigerian visas in Nigeria.

Nigerians were given two-year visas to the United States for years, whereas Americans were only given one-year Nigerian visas. Oke pointed out that Nigeria did not change its policies to match the U.S. until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined office, enabling Americans to obtain five-year visas.

They made this decision, which is regrettable. The Minister of Foreign Affairs verified to me that no formal communication from the United States about the change had been received when I contacted him,” he continued.

Oke emphasized Nigeria’s importance on the international scene and voiced hope that the U.S. government will reevaluate some of the regulations impacting Nigerian tourists in spite of the setback.

Nigeria has a significant role in world affairs. We cannot afford to be ignored by any nation. I assure you that we are a great asset. People around the world are watching, and I think constructive diplomatic interactions will pay off.

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Many people liked how easy it was to renew their visas using the drop box system, especially if they had recently traveled to the United States. Due to its suspension, all applicants—including those renewing their visas—will now have to appear in person for interviews, which may lengthen wait periods and make travel more difficult for many Nigerians.