The United States has warned that Nigerians involved in corruption, no matter how powerful, risk being denied entry into America.
The US Mission in Nigeria issued the warning on Monday through its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Fighting corruption knows no borders or limits on accountability. Even when high-profile individuals engage in corruption, they can be barred from receiving US visas,” the Mission stated.
The message reinforces Washington’s position that corrupt practices will not be overlooked, whether by public officials or private citizens.
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In May 2023, the US government announced visa bans on certain Nigerians who disrupted the country’s general elections. At the time, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the decision was to defend democracy.
“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle,” Blinken said in a statement on the State Department’s website.
The US has repeatedly stressed that corruption and electoral malpractice weaken Nigeria’s democracy and development.