—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a tweet, said his country supports Nigeria’s democratic process and desire to uphold the rule of law

The United States Government has announced its decision to slam Visa restrictions against people involved in undermining the electoral process in Nigeria.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in a tweet, on Wednesday said his country supports Nigeria’s democratic process and desire to uphold the rule of law.

Blinken explains that the policy is “To support Nigeria’s upcoming elections.” He said, “today I am announcing visa restrictions for those involved in undermining democracy in Nigeria.

“The United States supports Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” Blinken said.

The US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, in a statement shared on its website, said the visa restrictions are specific to “certain individuals” and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria.

The full statement reads:

“IMPOSING VISA RESTRICTIONS ON INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN UNDERMINING THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN NIGERIA

We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.  Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election. 

Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.  Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.  Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria.  The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”