The United States Mission in Nigeria has defended its decision to tighten visa screening by demanding applicants provide details of their social media accounts.
In a statement posted on its official platform, the Mission explained that the move was part of efforts to strengthen vetting and safeguard national security. It said: “Applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form.”
The Mission warned that failure to comply could lead to disqualification. “Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” it stated.
It further stressed that the policy was to ensure a safe process for all travellers. “The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every #USVisa application and decision process. That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,” the Mission said, adding: “These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”
Reacting to the development, the Federal Government vowed that U.S. citizens seeking to visit Nigeria would be subjected to the same measures. The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement released Monday on the Ministry’s official X page, said: “The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures.”