A U.S.-based immigration lawyer, Sr. Uchenna Ajaero, has clarified that the recent visa restriction placed on Nigeria by the United States is not a total ban, but a partial restriction, contrary to widespread public perception.
Sr. Ajaero made this known during an interview on Follow the Law, where she appeared as a guest to shed light on what the policy truly means for Nigerians.
According to her, security concerns remain the major factor that influenced the U.S. government’s decision to include Nigeria among countries facing visa restrictions.
“Security is a priority in America. Nigeria should have some level of security,” she stated.
She emphasized that the restriction does not apply to everyone and advised eligible Nigerians not to be discouraged from applying for U.S. visas.
“If you know you are eligible, go ahead and apply. Who knows, you might get it,” she said.
When asked whether the ban could be lifted, Sr. Ajaero explained that it is possible, but only if Nigeria demonstrates a concrete commitment to addressing its security challenges.
She stressed that the responsibility largely lies with the Nigerian government, particularly in areas such as national security coordination and citizen data management.
“How many databases does Nigeria have? Can Nigeria confidently say it has the data of every person living in the country?” She asked, noting that these gaps raise serious concerns internationally.
She concluded that once Nigeria shows capacity and seriousness in tackling insecurity and strengthening its data systems, the United States may reconsider the restriction.
Watch the full interview video below to gain deeper insight into what the U.S. visa restriction really means for Nigerians.
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