The United States Embassy in Abuja has warned Nigerians against engaging in visa fraud, saying the offence carries severe and lasting consequences under US immigration law.
The embassy gave the warning in a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, stressing that false claims and fake documents could permanently shut the door to travelling to the United States.
“Visa fraud has serious consequences. Lying or providing fake documents can lead to permanent visa bans under US immigration law. This means you will never go,” the embassy stated.
The advisory came on the same day the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, met with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to discuss areas of cooperation between both countries.
According to the embassy, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing shared priorities.
“The United States looks forward to continuing to work together with Nigeria on issues of mutual concern,” the statement added.
The development comes amid heightened diplomatic attention on Nigeria’s security challenges. In recent months, some US lawmakers have raised concerns over repeated attacks on communities, particularly in the North and parts of the Middle Belt.
The lawmakers reportedly described the attacks as serious violations of religious freedom and have called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian and US governments to protect vulnerable groups.
The embassy’s warning serves as a reminder that visa applications are closely scrutinised and that any form of misrepresentation could have lifelong consequences for applicants.
