Nigeria Customs Service Cautions Nigerians Against US Visa Misuse
…Calls for Compliance with Travel Rules
Author: Lucy Nyambi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory to Nigerian travellers, urging them to responsibly utilise United States entry visas in accordance with the visa classification and the stated purpose of travel.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service drew attention to growing concerns from the U.S. Government regarding the misuse of entry visas by some Nigerian nationals.
The statement reads, “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to alert the general public to the concerns raised by the Government of the United States of America on the need for Nigerians to desist from misusing entry visas granted by the US through activities that are inconsistent with the stated purpose of travel and visa classification.”
The NCS emphasised that visa holders are continuously monitored by U.S. authorities, and any breach of immigration rules, import/export regulations, or other local laws could lead to visa revocation.
“Security vetting for visa applicants does not end upon entry into the United States. US Authorities will continuously monitor the activities of visa holders, and visas can be revoked if holders are found to have violated U.S immigration protocols”, Maiwada stated.
The Service also reminded travellers of the obligation to declare cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, in accordance with international anti-money laundering guidelines.
The NCS called on citizens to maintain good conduct both at home and abroad, stressing that fraud and unlawful acts in any jurisdiction will attract legal consequences. “Whoever commits fraud in any jurisdiction will face legal consequences both under U.S. and Nigerian laws.”
To safeguard Nigeria’s interests, the NCS confirmed ongoing collaboration with the US Mission in Abuja to prevent the inclusion of Nigeria into an expanded visa ban that will hinder legitimate travel.
